“Escape to a storytelling podcast where you can listen, laugh, but most importantly…rest.”
(Vol 2: Part 1 of 6) VOCAL VELVET AUDIO SERIES
VOCAL VELVET Season 2 Trailer:
(Part 6 of 6) VOCAL VELVET AUDIO SERIES: “Hide Anger Until Tomorrow”
(Part 5 of 6) VOCAL VELVET AUDIO SERIES: “Preacher and The Mule” (with Immersive Audio)
(Part 4 of 6) VOCAL VELVET AUDIO SERIES: “The Blank Dice”
(Part 3 of 6) VOCAL VELVET AUDIO SERIES: “The Lion and The Squirrel”
(Part 2 of 6) VOCAL VELVET AUDIO SERIES: “The Rooster Goes Away In A Huff”
(Part 1 of 6) VOCAL VELVET AUDIO SERIES: “Why The Hartebeest Has Tears In His Eyes”
(12/25/21) 2021 Year End Dance Party! Who Ya Got: Old School Ballad or Classic Funk?
(12/18/21) Hey It Works For Meeee
(12/11/21) Pop Goes The… (Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop)
(12/04/21) There Can Only Be One
(11/28/21) Body Butter Savagery (Vaseline edition)
(11/21/21) Drip Drop Bliss
(11/14/21) That Feeling When You Find It
(8/28/21) Audio Oasis Storytelling Trailer
(4/25/21) Best. 2021. Game. Show. Ever. Period.
(4/12/21) James Taylor Knew About Smiles
(4/5/21) Did Somebody Say Superhero Dance Battle?!
(3/29/21) If Phone Screens Were People…Where Would We B—(nevemind)
(3/22/21) When You Know Better…You See Bubbles
(3/15/21) 💘Relaxation Stories Wrapped in Vocal Velvet: Mac & Cheese edition
(3/08/21) Say Hello To My Little Friend… (aka Hey, Pricilla)
🎧 Season 3 🎧
(9/18/20) Vinyl Wisdom Vol 2 Pandemic Edition | Kool and The Gang: “Funky Stuff” (1973)
Can you imagine a Worldwide Dance Party when the Pandemic is all over? Picture it: The entire planet, all time zones celebrating a renewed love of community. It. Would. Be. AH-MAY-ZING.
🎵Listen to song here: https://youtu.be/4kz0GIJbwIo
9/19/20 (Series pinultimate episode) Vinyl Wisdom Vol 2 Pandemic Edition | John Handy: “Hard Work” (1976)
Simply put, this Pandemic is Hard. Work. (But we got this 😉.)
🎵Listen to song here: https://youtu.be/bg8g9u6ks4I
(9/14/20)Vinyl Wisdom Vol 2 Pandemic Edition | Barry White: “You're The First, The Last, My Everything” (1974)
Love is awesome, and love during ordinary times can be challenging enough. BUT LOVE DURING A PANDEMIC? That’s on a whole different level. Salute to all the lovers out there! ❤❤❤ #FrenchHornsForLife 😀
🎵Listen to song here: https://youtu.be/E7zmRvhFEYo
(9/11/20)Vinyl Wisdom Vol 2 Pandemic Edition | Natalie Cole: “Mr Melody” (1976)
We will forever be grateful for music, especially during times like these. It speaks to us all like nothing else can.
🎵Listen to song here: https://youtu.be/QQhF_z2aI1c
(9/9/20)Vinyl Wisdom Vol 2 Pandemic Edition | The Commodores: “Zoom” (1977)
Sometimes…you need to take a moment to dream your dreams. Yes, even during a pandemic.
🎵Listen to song here:
(9/7/20) (Series) Vinyl Wisdom Vol 2 Pandemic Edition | Marvin Gaye: “Pride And Joy” (1963)
Cheers to YOU for how you are doing your very best. Sending love to all of the First Responders, Medical Staff, Essential workers, Front Line workers, Teachers, Parents, Caretakers, Students, and everyday world citizens. It's not easy, and you doing the very best that you can. Thank you for being you and for being there. This song is for YOU. 💖💖💖
🎵Listen to song here: https://youtu.be/qvB8ELvbow4
(9/5/20) (Series) Vinyl Wisdom VOL 2 Pandemic Edition | The Spinners: “I'm Coming Home" (1974)
By now, E-V-E-R-Y-B-O-D-Y wanted out, and simply wanted to go home to be with family and friends--and to think this all through. Whew! It was A LOT to process at the time.
🎵Listen to song here: https://youtu.be/CL8vSbxb0Z4
9/2/20 (Series) Vinyl Wisdom Vol 2 Pandemic Edition | Billy Preston: “Will It Go Round In Circles” (1972)
Song context: Billy Preston’s skills on the keyboard are of LEGEND (he played keyboard for the Beatles). His song pretty much summed up the way we all felt as we began processing what needed to done in order to move forward. We had many, many, many, many, questions…
🎵Listen to song here: https://youtu.be/necLdGpfgEs
(8/31/20) (Series)Vinyl Wisdom Vol 2 Pandemic Edition | James Brown: "There It Is" (1972)
More exploration of Old School lyrics! Let’s see how lyrics from the past can help us navigate the 2020 World Pandemic.
Song context: James Brown, Godfather of Soul, was a man of few words—but he had A LOT to say about pointing out the obvious.
🎵Song here: https://youtu.be/fu-dB0owYmU
8/23/20 REWIND: Thinking about the NYC Subway (IKR?!) & Feeling Nostalgic”
I'm feeling nostalgic and missing the pre-Pandemic hustle and bustle in New York City. This episode is a REWIND from the SERIES- NYC Stories: " NYC Transit Olympics & The Platform Agility Event" . Seats are at a PREMIUM on the subway. So if you're on the platform, and see a train coming into the station with super crowded train cars, and there is a T-O-T-A-L-L-Y E-M-P-T-Y car in between those other packed subway cars--choose wisely. There is a reason for this wonderful gift of alllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the seats! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
8/15/20 Team Chopsticks (aka Nobody Is Lonely While Eating Spaghetti)
Ahhhh...the simple majestic beauty of chopsticks, and the power of pasta. Let's talk about it. #TeamForkSpoonComboTwirl
8/9/20 Be The Egg Roll For Someone
Remember the Friends episode when Phoebe talked about the greatness of being somebody's Lobster? On your quest to becoming the #UltimateLobster for someone, might I suggest starting first with Egg Roll approach… (Audio was taken from the archives…my apologies for the poor audio quality!
8/8/20 Whew! You were missed, dear listener. * in my Oprah voice * We’re coming back for storytiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime!!! ❤❤❤
6/11/20 - Stop by. ✔ Listen. ✔ Think. ✔ Laugh. ✔ R-E-S-T. ✔ Exhale sloooooowly. ✔ Rinse. ✔ Repeat. ✔
Mini stories created for you to stop by & listen, but most importantly rest.
5/22/20 - REWIND: NYC Tribute to The Friendly Neighborhood Bodega (It hits kinda different now...)
EPISODE REWIND: It's Memorial Day Weekend 2020 in New York City, and we are cautiously taking steps towards towards the light and eventually moving away from of sheltering in place. This previous November 2019 episode will explore a different time when we stood shoulder to shoulder (gasp! remember THAT?!?) every morning at the mothership: The neighborhood bodega. To this New Yorker (& others), the beloved bodega is a part of NYC life that keeps us grounded, connected and sane. We miss you (#HeyCorona), but we look forward to the reunion! Long live the #BaconEggAndCheeseOnAToatedRollWithCoffeeLightAndSweet! Signed, Stephanie, Proud & Loyal New Yorker
5/3/20 - Salute from balcony, fire escape & window (The 2020 NYC Nightly Essential Workers Cheer)
Every night at 7:00 PM as New York City continues to shelter in place, NYC celebrates and cheers for all essential workers. (Because #RESPECT.) Come listen in... This is real audio of the nightly cheer as recorded from my apartment window on 5/2/2020. The final Nightly Cheer audio was then added to a music track. That loud clanging in the beginning? Yeah, that's me cheering while standing at my window with my metal bowl and spoon (lol). The rest of the audio is cheering from the street and neighborhood below. To all Essential Workers: Thank you so very much. For EVERYTHING.
2/23/20 - (Love Series) At Last: We're In This Together
We've come to the final episode in our February love series! Today's episode is all about victory. It's about knowing that this is who you're going to be with, despite the roller coaster ride. You're in it together, and you now can walk this emotional journey with a friend who also happens to hold your heart too.
Al Green - Let’s Stay Together https://youtu.be/XXx6RDzR6eM The world needs love now more than ever, and I aim to do my part for the cause. With that in mind, we present to you our “2020 Love Series” in honor of February, the Love month.
2/17/20 - (Love Series) Don't Go Changing...I Love You Just The Way You Are
This episode in our February Love Series is all about remembering what brought you both together in the first place. Sometimes a gentle reminder is needed, and it is always appreciated.
Gregory Porter - Just The Way You Are (Bruno Mars cover - Radio 2's Piano Room) https://youtu.be/YYLFTqOjoWc
The world needs love now more than ever, and I aim to do my part for the cause. With that in mind, we present to you our “2020 Love Series” in honor of February, the Love month.
2/14/20 - (Love Series) Happy Valentines Day...Peel Me A Grape
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!! ❤❤❤ The previous episode in our February love series was dedicated to our male listeners, so today’s VDay episode is dedicated to the female listeners in our audience. (Gather 'round, girls! 😊) Listen to cover of the classic "Peel Me A Grape" by Diana Krall: https://youtu.be/oTwd-MXwCog
2/9/20 - (Love Series) The Power of A Smile
Episode 2 in our Love Series is dedicated to our male listeners. Ever been caught off guard by the beauty and power of a genuine smile (from a special someone)? It was the smile you didn't know you needed until that very moment, and we'll explore that feeling during this episode! James Taylor's song "Your Smiling Face" captures the feeling perfectly, and the link to song is in the show notes below. #KeepSmiling James Taylor, "Your Smiling Face” https://youtu.be/ZSsfNlS42Cc
2/2/20 - LOVE SERIES Step 1 - (Pre-game) The Heartbreak Palate Cleanser: Heal, Reset, & then...WALK ON 'EM, BABY!
Presenting the 2020 Love Series in honor of the February, the Love Celebration month. (But first, some mental housecleaning is in order...) Our first episode of this series is the pre-game / palate cleanser to make room for our upcoming love stories to follow! Listen to cover song of "Walk on By" by Issac Hayes here: https://youtu.be/wtUa-jo3-qE
1/26/20 - REWIND: Mighty Love: Vinyl Music Wisdom from The Spinners feat. Philippé Wynne
REWIND: In honor of of upcoming Valentine's Day 2020, We would like to share one of our favorite episodes from the past. This episode talks about the life lessons found in Old School soul lyrics, and the focus is on the classic Mighty Love by the Spinners, featuring the legendary Philippé Wynne on lead vocals. Storytelling. Wisdom. Vocal. Magic. We'll be back soon in February with new episodes to celebrate Valentines Day aka "The Love Month"! Listen here to “Mighty Love” by the Spinners https://youtu.be/EyjsGpb9H-4
In our final episode of the Vinyl Music Wisdom series, we close out with Mighty Love performed by the Spinners, with the great Philippé Wynne on lead vocals giving you arguably the greatest vocal tag in every recorded in a song. Mighty, mighty, mighty, mighty, mighty mighty love!
1/12/20 - Birthday Celebration check in - Jan 12, 2020
Hellllllllllllllloooo! In the lab today on my birthday, 1/12/2020 working on new stories that will drop in February aka The "Love" Month! The series will be entitled "Tales From The Heart", *applies fresh lip gloss for birthday selfie* See you soon!
🎧 Season 2 🎧
12/31/19 - New Years Eve Countdown to 2020... It's A Pah-tayyyy!!!
We maaaaaaaaade it!!! Folks, it's our last episode of the year, and we need a party. We D-E-S-E-R-V-E a party. Because 2019. What. An. (ahem) Interesting. Ride. Only one thing left to do: LET'S CELEBRATE!!!
12/27/19 - Be Like Birdie & Dip It Low with A-Bumm-A-Chikka!
Birdie was the neighborhood legend from my childhood who had a vibrant spirit, and always celebrated the joy of life. She was an older lady around my grandma's age at the time, and she was from the islands, and was an absolute delight. Everybody knew and loved Birdie. Her standard attire was the brightly colored floral Mumu with matching turban, with multiple sparkly necklaces and dangle earrings to complete the look. #Fashionista There was absolutely no mistaking Birdie for anyone else, and once Birdie considered you a friend, in order for you to continue a conversation with her, you had to dance the A Bumm-A-Chikka. It was Birdie’s favorite dance from the Islands…
11/30/19 - Thanksgiving T.H.A.N.K.S. series: S – Show Gratitude
Gratitude and wisdom: cause & effect.
11/29/19 - Thanksgiving T.H.A.N.K.S. series: K – Kindness Works.
Whenever possible, be kind, and have compassion. It makes a difference.
11/28/19 - Thanksgiving T.H.A.N.K.S. series: N – Never Give Up
It’s understandable. We’re human. But don’t give up. Never give up.
11/27/19 - Thanksgiving T.H.A.N.K.S. series: A – Activate Your Dream Goal
Your dream goal has been waiting patiently for you to set it free. Now is the time.
11/26/19 - Thanksgiving T.H.A.N.K.S. series: H – Have A Good Laugh (you’ll need it!)
A good belly laugh can soothe your spirit.
11/25/19 - Thanksgiving T.H.A.N.K.S. series: T – Take Time For Yourself
During the hectic hectic whirlwind of the holidays, please remember to surround yourself with things that bring you joy.
11/24/19 - PREVIEW: Thanksgiving 2019 T.H.A.N.K.S. series & #VirtualHolidayHug
Coming up: our series "T.H.A.N.K.S." for Thanksgiving 2019. Wishing you a happy, safe, and peaceful Holiday Season!
11/22/19 - Duct Tape & Good ‘Tater Salad Can Fix Anything
An absolute truth. #ThatIsAll
11/22/19 - Wisdom 101: That Time Back In St. Olaf #GoldenGirls
The Golden Girls TV show from the 80’s was waaaaaaay ahead of it’s time. Picture it. Sicily…but 2019.
11/21/19 - Team Atlas & The Cloak of Invisibility
There are unseen warriors who hold up the world around us so that we can keep going. This one is for YOU.
11/21/19 - Game On, Baby: Holiday Heels & Lipstick
Go hard or go home. (They are sooooooooooo not ready.)
11/20/19 - So, About Those Hips... Shakira was RIGHT. (They really don’t lie...)
Listen folks, it wasn’t just a walk... IT. WAS. A WALK
11/19/19 - Yeah...But Can You Hit THAT Note?
Barbara. Chaka. Celine. Whitney. Kelley. Aretha (to name just a few.) Vocal powerhouses, loud and proud.
11/18/19 - Annual Family Dinner on Mount Olympus
Ahhh yes…The Family Dinner. *le sigh* Family will always be family—no exceptions. (Just ask Zeus.)
11/17/19 - Team Takeout & The Lunch Crunch Thunderdome
The unsung heroes of the Ultimate Client Service request: The Chinese food take out order from the neighborhood spot. WE. SALUTE. YOU.
11/16/19 - A Word of Encouragement: Be Still... Rest.
Just breathe. Thaaaaaaaaaaat’s it…
11/15/19 - Fairytale Redux - Cinderella’s Secret Life: The Other Glass Shoe
Cinderella had other skills. Thus the reason for extra drama from Cindy's Stepmama & those hating stepsisters. But that Prince? Oh yeah, he heard about Cindy, and went after what he truly wanted. Ahem. #OnceUponATimeAfterDark
11/14/19 - Phone Screen Voyeurs: WhatchuLookinat? #KeepScrolling
These times. They are a’changing, and it can be hard to keep up. But there IS a solution in there somewhere…if we continue to scroll…
11/13/19 - Life Music: Shake Ya Booty & Dance…Don’t Fight It!
Move, Groove, dance, sing, and anything else that properly celebrates the moment. Reward yourself. You’ve earned it.
11/12/19 - A Tribute: White Gloves, Straight Lines & Sharp Corners
What exactly made Deacon’s style of ushers march so special, one might ask? Deacon had a way of marching that was in a word, magnificent. But it was this particular thing during the march that always brought the church the most joy—The. Sharp. Corner. Turn.
11/11/19 - Daydream: The Galactic Pro Bono Exchange Program
Gather ‘round, kids! It’s story tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime!!!! Listen to a whimsical daydream about those who traveled across space and time to repay a debt of gratitude because of youngster’s single act of kindness.
11/10/19 - Lost Tourist in NYC? NOT. ON. MY. WATCH.
Our final episode of the NYC stories series: Tourist? Mkay. While you’re here in our city, you’re family.
11/9/19 - Superpowers 2.0
SERIES – NYC Stories: Your smile as a source of power. The bigger your smile, the faster the world's internet speed. Think about it. #SAYCHEESE
11/8/19 - When Your Wingman Takes a Sick Day
SERIES - NYC Stories: When your wingman takes a sick day, the struggle can be all too real regarding matters of the heart. You’ll do better next time. Sometimes, we can all miss the seemingly obvious, and its ok. We’re human.
11/7/19 - Showtime on the A Train: #ConfidenceGoals
SERIES - NYC Stories: NYC Transit riders are often stressed, tired, and overwhelmed. However, if you’re good—like really, really good--we’ll let you know, and you will be rewarded. Confidence. Talent. Drive. Finesse. We love a warrior who knows how to win.
11/6/19 - NYC Transit Olympics & The Platform Agility Event
SERIES - NYC Stories: Seats are at a PREMIUM on the subway. So if you're on the platform, and see a train coming into the station with super crowded train cars, and there is a T-O-T-A-L-L-Y E-M-P-T-Y car in between those other packed subway cars--choose wisely. There is a reason for this wonderful gift of alllllllllllllllllllllllllllll the seats.
11/5/19 - Middle Seat Matchmaker: Shoot Your Shot, Sir
SERIES - NYC Stories: Can assistance from the middle seat of a crowded train help to make a love connection happen for a fellow passenger? Anything is possible in New York...
11/4/19 - The Bodega Golden Ticket: A Love Story
SERIES - NYC Stories: There are two bodegas: the morning bodega and the non-morning bodega. Today’s Golden Bodega Ticket story will focus on the morning bodega, the perfect storm of loud and excited school kids, transit and sanitation workers starting their shift, people coming home from third shift, and all walks of life in between. It is literally a cross section within the cross section, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
11/3/19 - The Art of the Metrocard Swipe (aka NYC Transit Commuter Foreplay)
SERIES - NYC Stories: In this series episode, The Art of the Metrocard Swipe talks about the (CBD) Careful, Slow, and Deliberate swiper, the (CE) Crisp, Efficient swiper and the (IFBP) insufficient fare /“boundary pusher” swiper. Your metrocard swipe style tells all. Swipe with heart, or go home.
11/2/19 - (NYC throwback episode) Lovely Mangos & Cawfee Tawk
SERIES - NYC Stories: What happens at the neighborhood coffeeshop when a mango loving free spirit crosses paths with a CT Scan businessman from Jamaica by way of Seattle who also has family in Japan? Pure magic. Listen in and hear about this unlikely coffee crew as they debate the merits of authentic mac & cheese, among other important life changing topics. Connection and community is often found where you least expect, and is always closer than you think…
11/1/19 - Subway Tunnel Stroll in Flip Flops during NYC Blackout
SERIES - NYC Stories: The Longest. Walk. Ever. (like literally). It always pays to listen to your wise, inner voice.
10/27/19 - PREVIEW: Tales from New York City!
Coming up in our next series: "Tales from NYC". We'll be talking about a subway tunnel stroll while wearing flip flops during a NYC black out, the single word that reduces even the most hardened NYC commuter to tears (joy, defeat or both), the subway middle seat matchmaker, bodega golden ticket and much more, so stay tuned!
2/24/19 - Thin Line Between Love and Hate: Vinyl Music Wisdom from The Persuaders
Vinyl Wisdom storytelling series: Life Lessons from Old School Soul Lyrics "It’s 5 o'clock in the morning, And I'm just getting in, I knock on the door, a voice sweet and low says, who is it? She opens up the door and lets me in..." RUT ROH. (gulp). Let’s explore the awesome lyrics of Old School 70s Soul classics and see how they match up to life situations today. Peace, love and soooooouuuuuul forever!
2/18/19 - Use Me: Vinyl Music Wisdom from Bill Withers
Vinyl Wisdom storytelling series: Life Lessons from Old School Soul Lyrics "My friends feel it’s their appointed duty, they keep trying to tell me that all you want to do is use me..."
2/17/19 - You Are My Friend: Vinyl Music Wisdom from Sylvester
Vinyl Wisdom storytelling series: Life Lessons from Old School Soul Lyrics Let’s explore the awesome lyrics of Old School 70s Soul classics and see how they match up to life situations today. Peace, love and soooooouuuuuul forever!
2/17/19 - Hollywood: Vinyl Music Wisdom from Rufus feat. Chaka Khan
Vinyl Wisdom storytelling series: Life Lessons from Old School Soul Lyrics "He’s waited at bus stops all his life, he’s been in and out of those spaces. Seeing eyes that spoke to him from sad and gifted places..."
2/16/19 - Clean up Woman: Vinyl Music Wisdom from Betty Wright
Vinyl Wisdom storytelling series: Life Lessons from Old School Soul Lyrics "A clean up woman is a woman who gets all the love we girls leave behind. The reason I know so much about her, it because she picked up a man of mine..."
2/4/19 - We're back for Season 2!!!
Season 2 of the Audio Oasis Storytelling podcast will explore the majesty and wisdom of Old School 70's lyrics, and how they match up to life situations today... Let's share a few laughs about "vinyl wisdom"!
🎧 Season 1 🎧
3/21/18 - Mumbling, stumbling & leaping into greatness!
I LOVE CARTWHEELS! The classic cartwheel is truly a thing of beauty and is to be respected always. However, the mechanics of both the AERIAL cartwheel *and* goal setting are very similar. Both require strategic momentum, tons of foundational work, getting comfortable with a different point of view, and the hardest part of all: surrendering control--whether to gravity or to stepping out your own comfort zone.
2/27/18 - Take the Downside Up Challenge!
A fun (and eye opening) challenge that can literally have you view your world with new eyes...It's all in good fun. 😀Note: no friendships or relationships were harmed during the taping of this episode. 😃😀😀)
1/31/18 - Bite the bullet and ask
Sometimes that hardest thing in the entire world is to ask for you want. There is the right way to ask, and the right person or people to ask. Use wisdom. Now take a deep breath, bite the bullet, and ask for you want. You can do it. You've known it along.
1/14/18 - The Crunchy Crouton Wisdom in Your Failure Salad
There IS a payoff to failure--if you apply and continue to try.
12/29/2017 - Happy New Year & Count Your Blessings: Love, Siri & Alexa
2017 coming to a close, and 2018 waiting in the wings. LET'S DO THIS.
11/29/2017 - Hairbrush Vocals: A Tale of Survival
When your entire life boils down to your hours of hairbrush singing practice. Boar bristles, baby!
11/20/2017 - Rock, paper, scissors & Barry White
Drink Responsibly... (one sip at a time?)
11/09/2017 - What is audio oasis and why?
What is audio oasis and why? (aka New podcast…who dis?)
11/5/2017 - 📣📣📣(Inaugural Episode) New York City Transit: The Ultimate Wingman
📢📢📢(Inaugural Episode) New York City Transit: The Ultimate Wingman. Get you some.