Vox Celeste

Born to a drug addicted mother, Tanya spent her childhood in foster care suffering unspeakable horrors. Cooper, however, made the proverbial lemonade from her experiences and has dedicated her life to bettering the lives of foster kids, through her organization Foster Kids Unite. Everything life has thrown at her she’s thrown right back and even harder.

Liberian by birth, American raised, Peter Jallah has been met with much success in and out of the world of comedy.  One of the driving forces behind Blacktag Media, a Black owned, Black content driven, social media platform, Jallah shares his sobering take on racism in social media venture capitalism, “If the Clubhouse was presented by Black people, it would have never been funded.  Now you think it’s (Clubhouse) only for Black people”

Host: Celeste Joseph Jennings

Sound Engineer: Adam Hiniker

Music: Matt Da Godfatha “Burn it Down”

Kunal “KC” Aurora (The Unmovers) is a self-described Guidian (part guido, part Indian).  Growing up in Queens, according to Aurora everyone becomes a little Italian.  He joins Vox Celeste to discuss his comedy and why growing up in New York City ages you more than booze and cigarettes.

Host: Celeste Joseph Jennings

Sound Engineer: Adam Hiniker

For Zygy Susser (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) being average and unambitious is a source of pride, except when it comes to comedy. Susser joins Vox Celeste to discuss his failings as a NYC teacher and shares his tips on potty training birds.

Sound Engineer: Adam Hiniker   

Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios

Music: “Burn it Down” Mat Da God Fatha

While some folks mark time in calendar years,  Christiana Jackson marks time in dicks.  Christiana joins Vox Celeste to discuss life  growing up with a Black mother and a bi-polar white step-father, in a hic New Jersey town and why every straight woman needs a Latino lover. 

Glo Butler has made a name for herself in the New York City, LGBQT comedy scene as both a comedian and a producer of the very popular Glo in the City stand-up comedy show.  Glo in the City is one of the few stand-up comedy shows that serve both LGBQT comedians and audiences of color.  If the pandemic is the proverbial monkey- it hasn’t stopped her show.  Glo in the City is still serving laughs to Brooklynites in these uncertain times. 

You may not like what Zenobia has to say, but I can assure you- she really doesn’t give a shit.  I mean she really doesn’t, as you will hear on her recent comedy album, “Reckless With the Truth.”  Del Mar joins Vox Celeste opening up about managing her mental health and the wonders of CBD.   

For many aspiring comedians, getting passed at The Comedy Cellar or “The Cellar," is akin to getting the keys to comedy heaven. There aren’t many clubs in New York City where one could be bumped for a drop-in by Dave Chappelle.  And it is because of these big name drop-ins is why the lines for his clubs, in the  pre-Covid era, snaked around the block.  Noam joins Vox Celeste to discuss the future of live stand-up comedy, why New York City will never die and the writings of Fredrick Douglass.

Dante Nero (Man School) host of the popular Beige Phillip Podcast, Dante Nero is a relationship guru.  Sometimes it’s not the advice you want to hear but for many it’s the advice you need.  

Lost Episode: Last episode recorded in the World Famous Comic Strip Live.  Comedian, cartoonist, and producer Victor Varnardo joins Vox Celeste to talk about the love his life and the time he discovered he had a 14th sibling. 

Cos playing, Texas vixen and self-described blerd, Roxxy Haze (Bedtime Bitchin’ with Roxxy Haze) was an accomplished YouTuber with a devoted fanbase before stand-up comedy.  A mother at the age of 19, Roxxy confesses her and now her tween daughter are growing up together.

Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios

Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

Unapologetically, fabulous and sexy  Marilee (Comedy Central) is a tour de force in the Chicago comedy scene.  Recognized by Mo’Nique as a comic to watch- Marilee has every right to declare herself the best female comic in the Windy City.  Marilee joins Vox Celeste- talking astrology; her desire to find love and fertilizing one  of her seven good eggs.

Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios

Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

Lindsey Jenningz‘s (Suicide Girls, Roast Battle) can do a one-handed cartwheel while holding a full glass of wine without spilling a drop.  Lindsey joins Vox Celeste to talk about how the Suicide Girls launched her comedy career; the inherent sexism of school dress codes and why she doesn’t have daddy issues. 

Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios

Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

Some comics become comedians in an attempt to heal childhood wounds.  For Sherrod Small (Comedy Central, Race Wars Podcast, Small Ball)  it was an epic night out with his cousin, Chris Rock.  Sherrod joins Vox Celeste to talk about fatherhood; hanging out with Biggie in high school; his friendship with Ann Coulter and comedy after Covid-19.

Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios

Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

There isn’t a stage Kareem Green (Def Jam Comedy, Showtime at the Apollo) doesn’t own. Unapologetic and far from politically correct, Kareem joins Vox Celeste to discuss his experiences growing-up in foster care and the time he got choked out on stage.

Recorded at Cedar Closet Studios

Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

Todd Montesi (Crashing) is undoubtedly the uncrowned king of New York’s underground comedy scene.  His UG Comedy shows have been a mainstay in the lower east side for well over a decade.  Todd’s  web series “PN and Friends” is an off-beat,  satire about pro wrestling has garnered critical acclaim.   One of the most tenacious guys in the business, Todd never stops creating because “what else am I going to do.”  This week my co-host is Victor Varnado.

Recorded: Comic Strip Live on 3/11/20

Music: “Burn it Down,”  Mat Da Godfatha

Justin Covington (Netflix), diagnosed with a spinal cord injury at the age of two; growing up with a terminally ill father and his battle with obesity were just a few obstacles life threw his way.  Justin joins Vox Celeste sharing his nightmarish Thanksgiving coming-out story and how weight-lifting became his spiritual and physical salvation.

Recorded: Comic Strip Live on 3/4/20

Music: “Burn it Down”, Mat Da Godfatha

Growing up Marc Gerber (Avid Indoorsman) was Long Island’s Ferris Buehler with weed.   Though he was bright- Marc found himself dropping out of high school and floundering for a couple of years.  When Marc finally got it together he obtained his GED and with one academic success after another Marc earned his PhD in psychology.   Marc joins Vox Celeste and tells us how he went GED to PhD while telling jokes in between. 

Recorded on 3/4/2020 at the Comic Strip Live 

Half-Nigerian, Half Kenyan, 100% Texan.  The middle daughter of African immigrants, Eke was not like her girly-girl sisters.  Wanjiku talks  about Austin Queer Culture and that time at that nightclub in Nairobi.

Recorded at the Comic Strip Live

Music: “Burn it Down” Mat Da Godfatha 

DF Sweedler started working at the Comic Strip the second day it opened in 1976: Jimmy Carter was president, Russia was communist and “Rocky” was number one in the box office. Sweedler has taught and performed with some  of the biggest names in comedy.  And while he may not be a household name- to countless comedians he is The Godfather. 

Recorded at the Comic Strip Live

Music: “Burn it Down” Mat Da Godfatha

Brian Scott McFadden (Letterman) is known as the “The Father of Modern Comedy.”  The son of an accomplished stand-up comedian, Brian never entertained the idea of being anything but a comedian himself.  His self-deprecating, cynical brand of humor makes him one of the best comics in the business.  Brian joins Vox Celeste discussing his love of Richard Pryor and the one time his father gave him props. 

Daniel Perafan grew up in Queens with an undocumented single mother and grandmother living pillar to post.   On his childhood “I wished I was American poor.” 

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Music “Burn it Down.” Mat Da Godfatha

If Adam and Todd Stone (Going Both Ways) were superheroes they would be the Comedic Wonder Twins, they couldn’t be closer if they were conjoined.  The Stone Brothers join Vox Celeste to talk about their viral web series, “Going Both Ways” inspired by their lives: Todd’s coming out and Adam’s life as a suburban dad of three.

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Music “Burn it Down.” Mat Da Godfatha

Growing up as an only child to a single mother in Ann Arbor, self-described blerd, Brandon

Collins (Drunk Black History)  had no idea who his father was until a chance encounter in a supermarket. 

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Music “Burn it Down.” Mat Da Godfatha

Prince Arkiem comes through talking politics.  Who is going to win this ultimate cage fight/clown car known as the Democratic primaries?  We talk about Harlem in the ‘80’s and the Crime Bill’s impact and Bloomberg’s New York.   

Recorded: Comic Strip Live Studios

Music “Burn it Down.” Mat Da Godfatha

God watches over babies, fools and Kyle Pennant (Hype School).  With less than just three credits to go- Kyle dropped out of the University of Missouri because  he “didn’t want anything to fall back on” in his pursuit of stand-up comedy.  His balls to the walls approach has paid off because everything works out for Kyle. 

Ferris Butler- sounds a lot like Ferris Bueller. Because Ferris Bueller is Ferris Butler.  Meet the inspiration behind one of the most iconic films of a generation.  Ferris Butler joins Vox Celeste to discuss his trailblazing sketch comedy show “Meat Street News” to writing for a young Eddie Murphy on SNL. 

Laughter is the best medicine and no one knows that better than comedian and psychologist, Dr. Wilson McDermott.  Wilson (Dr. Will Show) joins Vox Celeste, to discuss the science and psychology of humor; a comedians guide to a healthy divorce and why ending his toxic relationship- with his car- was one of the best decisions he’s ever made. 

Recorded at the World Famous Comic Strip Live

Jeff Leach (Savage Snowflake) joins Vox Celeste talking about growing up in London; the time he died and why being an immigrant in America sucks- even if you’re not from a “shithole” county. 

Jamar Neighbors (Comedy Central, Roast Battle) is a self-described crack baby.  Born to a drug-addicted mother, Jamar bounced back and forth between family members and foster homes throughout his childhood in Compton, California.  He joins Vox Celeste to discuss his new comedy album and his obsession with the counterwoman at Burger Fi.

Recorded at the Comic Strip Live

Music by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz 

With only five years under his belt, single dad, and Philly-based comic Alan Massenburg (Sirius XM Sway in the Morning) is making a name for himself in the Philadelphia comedy scene.  Alan joins Vox Celeste to talk about mending fences with his father; his love for the Philadelphia Eagles, women and the two most important ladies in his life– his daughters. Also the time he hid his daughter from his father for two years. 

Recorded at The World Famous Comic Strip Live

Music  “She Bad” by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Queens-born and bred, unapologetic Mets fan and proud blerd Darin Patterson (SNL Nerds podcast) joins Vox Celeste to talk about his love of all things SNL; White famous and Black famous musicians and we play “If The Breakfast Club Characters Were a Borough…”

Recorded at The World Famous Comic Strip Live

Music  “She Bad” by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz 

When you are a Wayans you either become a door-knocker or comedian.  Much to the chagrin of the Jehovah Witnesses’ Chaunté chose the latter.  Chaunté Wayans (Tru TV, Netflix) discusses what life was like growing up in a two-bedroom apartment with fourteen family members that included- Uncles Damon and Keenan; the pros and cons of being a Wayans, and the source of the Wayans’ funny.

Recorded at The World Famous Comic Strip Live

Music  “She Bad” by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Kate Meaney was 17 when her father, comedian Kevin, suddenly passed away.” It was shocking but I wasn’t surprised.”   Like her late father, Kate struggles with addiction and mental health issues which she talks about openly on stage.  “I don’t think you should put eight-year-olds on cocaine.”

Recorded at Comic Strip Live

Music by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

YouJean Chang joins Vox Celeste to discuss his experience growing up in large extended family in  Queens; the contradiction of Asian male stereotypes and his United Colors of Benetton posse.

Recorded at Comic Strip Live

Music by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Pat Brown (ESPY Awards) joins Vox Celeste talking about growing up queer in Kansas City; her exodus from Atlanta to New York in search of acceptance and touring with the tour de force, Tracy Morgan.  

Recorded at Comic Strip Live

Music by Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Onika McLean (Violently Funny) is truly living her best life.  When Onika found the courage to leave her tumultuous marriage, of almost 20 years, she discovered comedy and herself. 

“Survival starts the day you’re diagnosed.”  Jenny Saldaña (Little Brown Girl) was 34-years-old when she was finally diagnosed with breast cancer because it took a year to find a doctor to biopsy the growing mass in her breast.  No family history of breast cancer and under 40, Jenny was a scientific anomaly.  But like every great comic, Jenny turned her tragedy into comedy gold with Happy Cancer Chick.  She is an advocate, a survivor and a very funny Little Brown Girl.  

Recorded at Comic Strip Live

Music: She Bad Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Fran Sisco (A Trans Girl Like Me) transition from male to female came at a glacial pace.  Fran discusses the underground New York City trans-scene of the ‘70’s and ‘80’s and the time she was beaten and left for dead.

Recorded at the Comic Strip Live

Music: Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

To say their life was unconventional would be an understatement at best.   For starters, discovering their “aunt” was in fact their mother’s partner and the time they were crowned a beauty queen.

Recorded at the Comic Strip Live

Music: Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

George Saltz (Funniest Jewish Comedian) is a mensch to the tenth power. His trajectory into comedy had more twists and turns than the Coney Island Cyclone but at 85-years-young he’s enjoying the ride.

Recorded at the Comic Strip Live

Music: Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

If an energy drink was a comic it would be Larry Beyah (Letz Get Loud).  Ever-affable, kale-loving, Nipsey Russell-doppelganger,  host with the most joins Vox Celeste to discuss growing up in the Nation of Islam; how Bon Jovi brought a white nationalist and a Black Muslim together and the time Mo’Nique nursed him back  to health after he got shot.  Hold on tight.

Recorded at the Comic Strip Live

Music: Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Mr. Puntastic- Esteban “Tino” Romero (Pundamonium 1 &2)  known for his creative word play- didn’t learn English until he was 16 years-old. Esteban  joins Vox Celeste discussing his voyage from Panama to New York; adjusting to being “Black” in America and cleaning bathrooms at comedy clubs for stage time.

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Joanna Briley (Black Women in Comedy Festival, Brooklyn House of Comedy) is one of the most revered figures in the Brooklyn comedy scene.  Over the past year Briley lost both her mother and sister but even in the midst of such profound grief, Joanna pulled off the Black Women in Comedy Festival (BWICF).  The first of its kind, the BWICF showcased the comedic talents of Black women comedians from all the country.  She  also opens up about her childhood and the day her father came to pick her up from her mother’s house and never brought her back home.

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx 

Outspoken, first-generation American, Brooklynite Reg Thomas (Productively Stoned) joins Vox Celeste talking about love, comedy, weed and the time he got stabbed.

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Neko White (Tru TV) joins Vox Celeste on the heels of celebrating his twelfth year in comedy and he isn’t even thirty-years old.  White started performing comedy at the age of 14; doing his first set on the second day of his freshman year in high school.  He credits his teacher, Mrs. Richardson for him introducing to the world of open mics and endless comedy possibilities.

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx 

When Cornel West is a fixture at dinner,  you’re bound to have a couple of interesting childhood stories.  Not everyone gets to say “Cornell, can you the f@#$ shut up and just pass the gravy?” Neruda Williams (Harlem Comedy Festival, founder) opens up about his unconventional childhood, his mother’s drug addiction and his kinship with sea turtles.  (We also profess our love for all things Greer Barnes).

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Shanna Christmas, (Black Chicks, Pink Dicks) joins Vox Celeste talking about interracial dating; the time she dated a pimp and we also go hard on the "53 percent” and then some.  

Born and bred in “scary” Brooklyn, Neil Charles (Swatches and Boom Boxes, Comedy Central) joins Vox Celeste to discuss his recent marriage, his new role as step-father and the decision to uproot his family to Los Angeles in search of stardom. 

Recorded at Comic Strip Live Studios 

Music: Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Yes.  Kevin Farley (F is For Family) younger brother of comedy icon, the late, Chris Farley, joins Vox Celeste sharing Farley childhood stories; coping with the devasting loss of his brother and carving out his own space in stand-up comedy. 

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx 

Barry “Motherfucking” Ribs (Apollo Comedy) joins Vox Celeste discussing his quarter century career in comedy and we debate whether or not adult film star’s @anyaivy’s breast are real.  It is a HIGHlarious good time.

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx 

A sex addiction, a failed marriage and an AIDS scare, Rodney Daniels (Big Talk and Brewskis) already has what it takes to be a star.  He also happens to be very funny.  We talk about his childhood in Milwaukee and the torment of growing up gay as the son of a preacher man.

Recorded at Comic Strip Live Studios 

Music: Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz 

Growing up in the South Bronx  as an immigrant, having Dumbo ears and a last name that looks like “fuck,” Allan Fuks (This Week in Sex), was a three-course meal for schoolyard bullies. However, those bullies were no match for Fuks’ axe-wielding, Russian cab-driving father.    

Recorded at Comic Strip Live Studios 

Music: Arkitexx and Phantom Boyz

Born to a 14-year-old mother, Courtland Faulden would be the first of her nine children. Most kids hope to see Santa Claus and get presents on Christmas not social workers from Child Protective Services removing them from their home. 

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded at Comic Strip Live Studios 

“The day she was born, I knew I was going to raise her.”  When DB Frick’s (Conan, National Lampoon) brother was sentenced to prison for 15-years, leaving behind a young daughter, his words came true. Living and working out in Los Angeles, DB returned to his native Long Island and raise his niece. However, to DB, she is his daughter and would  fight anyone who would say otherwise, even his brother, who was just recently released.

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx 

If Brooklyn born and bred Josh Carter (Northern Discomfort, Polished Beauty) was a superhero his super powers would be simultaneously pissing off the left and the right, no matter the topic.  

Recorded at Comic Strip Live Studios

Music Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Abe Gatling III (Cry Baby Comedy) joins Vox Celeste discussing his “prep school Negro” experiences at Taft.  We exchange our respective school daze “go back to where you came from” horror stories (yes bitches- we name, names) and the liberation of being unapologetically Black in predominately white spaces.

When one thinks of  New York’s Funniest Jewish Comedian, a tall man Black man rocking a glorious Afro with a yarmulke nestled inside,  is not what usually comes to mind.  Sha “Shabbat Man” James, joins Vox Celeste  to discuss his introduction to Judaism at eleven, his subsequent conversion (and no it wasn’t for the jokes) and how it’s Kosher with his Christian family.    

Recorded at Comic Strip Live

Brian Babylon (NPR’s Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me!, Comedy Central) joins Vox Celeste- talking about his sweet home Chicago; touring with Hannibal Burress in the motherland and old family friend, HUD director, “uncle” Ben Carson.

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded at the Comic Strip Live.

Born to an Italian mother and Puerto Rican father, Mike Figs (PornHub) describes himself as the product of the  “real West Side Story.”  Raised by his Italian mother and extended Italian family, Figs’ first gigs were impersonating his obnoxious uncle during Sunday dinners, at his beloved grandmother’s house.  Figs opens up about reconciling with his abusive and estranged father; finding love with the same woman for the second time and figuring out this comedy game. 

Diagnosed with alopecia at the age of four, Zachary Levi (WBCR) learned very early on that being a bald, thin, sickly-looking kid can be very profitable. People tend to become more generous when you look like you have stage four cancer.

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

When comedian Elsa Eli Waithe (High Bible Stories) made the cover of the New York Post, on July 8, 2016, it was not funny at all. The photograph of her arrest, at a Black Lives Matter rally, with the headline “Fury” in bold letters- documented one of the most traumatic days of her life. Elsa discusses the turning point in which she went from being politically apathetic to becoming an activist making front page news. (Comedy has everything to do with it).

Recorded at Comic Strip Live
Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

The ever-affable and self-proclaimed odds beater, Jacob Machlis, joins Vox Celeste to discuss his childhood obsession with Manzai comedy which led to him moving to Japan; our mutual love for the “Magic School Bus”  (Lily Tomlin is the only Miss Frizzle we acknowledge); how his love for ice cream saved him from the clutches of two Tokyo ladies of the night and how he’s living his best life as an adult with Asperger’s.

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

Returning guests Danny Cohen (Comedy Cellar, Caroline's) and Chewy May (She-Devil Comedy Festival)  kick off Pride Month discussing their experiences in “gay conversion therapy.”  Something, something, something naked men in a circle crying.  

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded: Comic Strip Live.

Eric Piesco was living his best life until he was diagnosed with testicular cancer, at a relatively young age.  The only cure- the removal of his left testicle.  You would think walking around with a half empty nut sack would be demoralizing but for Piesco- it became his muse. When life hands you testicular cancer- be like Eric and have a ball.

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded: Comic Strip Live

It’s hard to imagine that Comedy Central Roast Master, Eli Sairs, known for his no-holds-barred, kick ‘em in the nuts, nothing is sacred (he roasted an opponent’s wife’s miscarriages) would be the son of an Alabaman Mennonite pastor but here we are.  Even though he grew up poor Sairs claims he never felt deprived. Eli explains how being the scrawny white kid in a predominately poor, Black neighborhood in Mobile, Alabama, molded him into the roast master he is today.  Eli also gets candid about his struggles with OCD and how he finally found the courage to seek help.

Nataly Aukur (@natyourcolor),  was a Lebanese Christian living her best teen life in Beirut, until  2006 when war broke out between Hezbollah and Israel forcing Nataly and her family to make a harrowing escape out of Lebanon.  She remained a refugee for a year and when the dust settled, both literally and figuratively Nataly returned home but eventually found her way back to the States.  Nataly talks about how living in New York City has done more to shape her Arab identity than growing up in Beirut ever did.

Orphaned by age eight, Domo Jones life reads like a Langston Hughes poem,  it ain’t been no crystal stair.  Domo Jones (@townofjones) joins Vox Celeste to discuss growing up in (pre-gentrified) Brooklyn, in the height of the AIDS crisis; her family’s  hilarious response to her coming out and how she gets up every morning in spite of all the tragedy life has thrown her way.

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded at Comic Strip Studios

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Alia Janine’s (Hardcore Comedy;  aliajanine.com) childhood could be best described as Sons of Anarchy meets Goodfellas: Bikers. Mobsters. Drugs.   Alia joins Vox Celeste to discuss her tumultuous childhood; life as a stripper (when twerking was called “booty-popping”); her career as an adult film star and her crossover into comedy. If you think it’s harder to have sex on cue in front of a camera than it is to do a five minute set on stage­­– umm think again.

This week Angela Cobb (My First Time: A Stand-Up & Storytelling Show)  joins Vox Celeste to discuss growing up with an alcoholic father, her “parallel” addictive behavior and conquering her own personal mental health demons.

Music:  Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded: Comic Strip Live Studios

Fatherless by choice comics Mike Hernandez (We’re Going to Hell, podcast) Jon Gardiner (Afterhours Comedy) join Vox Celeste to discuss why they do not want to have children.  They share their pullout game techniques and bond over their favorite strippers.

Recorded at Comic Strip Live Studios

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

In the second episode of our series on comedians caring for their parents­– scholar, comic, author, and always a lady Dr. Leighann Lord (People With Parents, podcast; Dict Jokes; Real Women Do it Standing Up) joins Vox Celeste to discuss living with her octogenarian parents, who each have a host of age-related cognitive and physical ailments that require around-the-clock care.  Leighann discusses how Alzheimer's has robbed her once very close relationship with her mother and even though her mother is alive- she misses her.  

In the first of this two-part series about comedians as caretakers for their elderly parents, self-proclaimed optimistic-cynic, uber-Texan, Jason Salmon, (Force of Nurture), joins Vox Celeste to discuss life with his father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, six years ago .  Jason sees this as a blessing. (Crazy, right? Trust me, you’ll come around).  His outlook is both heartwarming and hopeful.  Also, find out why the Cowboys will never lose a Super Bowl in the Salmon house.

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded at Comic Strip Live Studios

We’re back with comedy inferno and my sister from another mister, Yamaneika Saunders.  We talk about scabies; why she cursed out one of the judges during her audition for the prestigious Los Angeles High School of the Arts;  her foray into comedy at the age of sixteen; and of course her distain for shrimp poop.  

 If you haven’t died from laughter from by the end of this episode, you were never  really alive.

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded at The Comic Strip Live Studios 

Comedy dynamo and my “sister” Yamaneika Saunders, (Netflix, Comedy Central, Comedy Cellar, Tru TV, Rantin’ and Ravin’ with Yamaneika (podcast,)  kikis with Vox Celeste about growing up in the gypsy bastion of Aberdeen, Maryland; the hex put on her all-white Christian school; how she narrowly avoided a confrontation with the Klan and getting a major ass whopping from her mother, all on the same day.  There’s also something about being left on the side of a highway. 

Warning: Odds of dying from laughter are pretty high. 

Get your crumpets and finger sandwiches ready, the godmother of New York City comedy, Gladys Simon (Gladys Simon Comedy, Comic Strip) pours some piping hot tea about the comedy biz, her childhood on Hoe Avenue and why she waited until she was almost 30 to lose her virginity.

 #yiddishtheater #borstbelt #secondavenuetheater #newyorkcitycomedy #showbiz #comicstriplive #southbronx #comedypodcasts #parentingpodcasts #listentoblackwomen #ladycomics #jessicakirson #zachgalifianakis #jimgaffigan #joanrivers #artielange 

Answer: Phil, Buck, Scar, Joey, Jesse, Tom, Creepy, Rich

Question: Who are uncles?

Jim Search (Muddy Waters Comedy) Pranav Behari  (Mango Bae) riff with Vox Celeste about the joys of unclehood. All the love of fatherhood without the child support and baby mama drama.  

Recorded at Comic Strip Live Studios

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Calvin Cato (Playable Characters Podcast)  joins Vox Celeste to discuss  growing up gay, in a West Indian household.  We wax poetic about the ever-evolving Jussie Smollett soap opera and what if any impact it will have on LGBQT people of color.  Also, Calvin reveals the time and place for the next  “gay agenda” meeting.

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded at Comic Strip Live Studios 

You know you’re a Korean adoptee when… when you’re out to dinner with your white father and people assume you’re his escort.  Kate Moran (The Revolution) joins Vox Celeste to discuss growing up in lily-white Western New York as a Korean adoptee and meeting  her biological mother and siblings for the first time. 

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Recorded at Comic Strip Live Studios 

When you lose a parent, you lose your past.  When you lose your child, you lose your future.  When you lose a spouse, you lose the present.  When you lose a sibling you lose all three. Jordon Ferber (Where's the Grief) Samantha Bednarz (Bar None Comedy) join Vox Celeste to discuss life their lives after the loss of their siblings. 

Vox Celeste picks up from where we left off, with returning guests Vanetta Schofield (Funny Hunnyz) and Norah Yahya (Gotham Live), discussing the value of Black girls in our society.

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Vox Celeste is back- with a 2018  year-in-review of the biggest news stories  involving children and parents.   We recap the year with two funny fathers- Fun Sized Fen (Gotham Live) and return guest, Roc Belushi (Roc Cast Podcast).  A lot happened last year but we got most of it covered: the conviction of “America’s Dad,” Bill Cosby; The Parkland Shooting; ICE child separation policy; Thai Cave Rescue and more.    Even some talk about repealing the 14th Amendment and Cardi B at parent/teacher night.

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Vanetta Schoefield (Funny Hunnyz LLC) delivers the gospel on what it was like growing up the daughter of a Southern minister.  

Trigger Warning: childhood sexual abuse and drug abuse.

Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Comedians Victor Varnado (Six Unseemly Questions), Roc Belushi (Roc Cast) and Andrea Coleman (Comic Strip Live) share their  ass whoopings experiences on Vox Celeste.  Is corporal punishment effective? Necessary evil?  Holdover from slavery? Lazy parenting?

Trigger Warning: Childhood sexual abuse; domestic violence and sexual exploitation

Comics Tanya Cooper and Nichole Spain discuss growing up in foster care: moving from home to home, state to state and enduring unspeakable abuse.  Their tales of survival and fearlessness determination make for a both an emotional and inspirational episode.

Single-mom comedians Aminah Amani (Wine Before Nine), Carolyn Castiglia (Laugh Exchange) along with my very special co-host, Nasir (son of Aminah) discuss the struggles and joys of single motherhood while working in the, not-so family-friendly, business of comedy.

When Ice, Ice baby isn’t a catchy hook to a 90’s rap song but means that Immigration Customs Enforcement is on its way and it’s time to go.  Chewy May, Todd Montesi, Daniel Perefan and Celeste all first generation Americans, discuss being trapped in cultural purgatory and how our parents sacrifices were ultimately in vain because we’re comics and not doctors. 

Guests: Chewy May, Todd Montesi, Daniel Perefan

Intro Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

#firstgenerationamericans #immigrantsmakeamericabetter #comedypodcasts #parentingpodcasts #motherhood

Some family members bring a side dish or a bottle of wine to a holiday gathering, others bring machetes.  Has your mother ever asked you, “Hey, can you pass the gravy, by the way are you sleeping with your cousin?” Comics Christiana Jackson, Jim Search and Todd Montesi offer tips on how to survive your dysfunctional family holiday circus.

Guests: Christiana Jackson, Todd Montesi,  Jim Search

Intro Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

New York comedians Danny Cohen and Pamela Rae both lost their fathers at ages five and four respectively.  They discuss the impact their losses had on their adult lives and discover they have common phobias.   The pair offer advice on how to speak with young kids  about death- hint: not talking about it is not a good thing.

Guests: Danny Cohen and Pamela Rae

Intro Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Comedian/actress Nicky Sunshine discusses the joys and tribulations of being a stepmother.  Other questions answered on the episode:  What’s it like to have seven stepmothers?   Can you still ask the girl you like out- if your father marries  her mother?  And what happened to Ronaldo’s father’s second wife?

Guests: Nicky Sunshine, Gaye Lirot, Evan Bowen and Ronaldo Robiero

Intro Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx

Still deciding on a name for the podcast but comics Kimberley Berns, Joe DeLuca and Tony Gong all parents of boys discuss Fleshlights as an alternative to teenage sex and other things so there is that…

Guests: Kimberley Berns. Joe DeLuca and Tony Gong

Intro Music: Phantom Boyz and Arkitexx