Best Tommy Nguyen Podcasts (2025)

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The Art of Staying Customer-Obsessed with Tommy Nguyen 1:13:53

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23m ago1:13:53

1:13:53

Welcome back to Self Storage Lab, the podcast where we deconstruct how operators are adapting to today’s technology-driven landscape—and what it means for the future of the industry. This episode’s guest is Tommy Nguyen, co-founder and COO of StoragePug—a company that started with one family-owned facility and evolved into one of the most beloved t…

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Self Storage State Associations 101 - and Updates From Lighthouse 26:40

5d ago26:40

26:40

In this special episode, Melissa and Josh reflect on a big moment: being featured on the cover of Modern Storage Media's October issue! 🎉 They share what it means to be recognized and the exciting shifts happening behind the scenes at Lighthouse Storage Solutions. Melissa opens up about her recent transition away from managing a state association t…

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Who Are Your Customers? 35:57

16d ago35:57

35:57

Do you really know who’s renting your storage units? In this episode, Josh and Melissa Huff dive into one of the most overlooked aspects of effective self-storage marketing: creating clear, specific buyer personas. Understanding your customers is the first step to attracting more of them—and retaining them longer. We break down how to analyze your …

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Choosing the Right Management Fit with Brad North 1:07:34

22d ago1:07:34

1:07:34

Whether you’re a hands-on owner-operator or a passive investor looking to scale, finding the right management style can make or break your self-storage success. In this episode, guest host Brad North walks us through the various management setups—from on-site managers and remote tech-driven operations to hybrid and hub-and-spoke models. We explore …

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Actor FRANCIS JUE, Workshopped Himself To 2 Tony Awards! 1:07:31

21d ago1:07:31

1:07:31

FRANCIS JUE is an American actor and singer known for his work in theatre, film, and television, particularly for his 2025 Tony Award-winning performance in DAVID HENRY HWANG's play Yellow Face. Jue first appeared in New York in 1984. His Broadway credits include M. Butterfly and Pacific Overtures, and his extensive stage career encompasses regiona…

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Auditing Your Self Storage Facility 45:16

26d ago45:16

45:16

None of us would go a year between oil changes for our cars. I can't even go 6 months without descaling my Keurig. But how long has it been since you did a tune-up of your self storage facility? The word "Audit" has gotten a bad wrap over the years, but it is one of the most essential things you can do to ensure your facility runs smoothly and avoi…

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Genius Designer Creates New Legendary Toy, ANCIENTZ, Welcome HOWARD CHANG! 37:40

1M ago37:40

37:40

Howard “Quiggly” Chang is a celebrated artist behind the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy line. Through a vision and inspiration after a life changing event, he creates Ancientz Collectible Art "toy". Howard reflects on his journey of combining faith and creativity. This line continues Howard’s legacy of designing unforgettable heroes, now i…

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Ad Legend BILL IMADA & His 35 Year Legacy of Making Companies Look Good 37:21

1M ago37:21

37:21

For season 2 of OG YOLK, we welcome AAF's Advertising Hall of Fame Inductee and most humble person, BILL IMADA is founder, chairman and chief connectivity officer of IW Group, a minority-‐ owned and operated advertising, marketing and communications agency focusing on the growing multicultural markets. OG YOLK Generasian Next, hosted by Actor/Write…

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Faraz Hemani: From Big Tech to Self Storage 50:13

1M ago50:13

50:13

Summary In this conversation, Faraz Hemani shares his journey from a successful career in big tech to becoming a self-storage entrepreneur. He discusses the challenges and motivations behind his leap into entrepreneurship, the importance of understanding risk, and how his upbringing shaped his views on money and investment. Faraz elaborates on his …

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Remembering the Fallen - Never forget 9/11 - Never Forget Charlie Kirk 17:16

1M ago17:16

17:16

Another generational event has happened, and it's worth taking a break from self storage to talk about. The events of yesterday, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, remind us of the last great generational tragedy from 24 years ago today. In both cases, evil individuals plotted and carried out deadly killings against people and ideals they disagreed…

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Getting a Self Storage Education (Even If You Missed the SSA Show) 38:06

2M ago38:06

38:06

If you're like us, you didn't make it out to Vegas this year for the Self Storage Association 50th Anniversary Conference. But don't despair! We have tons of other ways to find the education, networking, and vendor updates you need to keep your business competitive. Whether it's in-person events, virtual webinars, podcasts, or papers, we share all …

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Filipina Emerging Costumer- LANI LOLONG, From A Small Village vs. American Life 29:39

2M ago29:39

29:39

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gUtvqjSmitzhkzOUrgpXy?si=ocF4HuPERxSNoDXDPr8VzA We welcome LANI LOLONG, an emerging Costumer and Immigrant that built her life from a past traveling from her small village to her American life. She was able to bring herself over and working with a Filipino family. Afterward, Lani continued to survive on her own to …

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Disaster Prep & Recovery with Kevin Leebrick and Scott McLaughlin 1:10:54

2M ago1:10:54

1:10:54

Today we focus on something every self storage operator hopes they never have to face—but absolutely need to be ready for: disasters. When the worst happens, every decision matters. Kevin Leebrick and Scott McLaughlin join Tommy and Melissa to share real stories from their own crisis experiences—fires, floods, and more—and the lessons they’ve learn…

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What is a Sansei Rocker? Ck Out HARRY MANAKA: Musician & Author of Chronicles of a Sansei Rocker During the 60s, A Time of Innocence & Turmoil 1:33:55

2M ago1:33:55

1:33:55

The Sansei Rocker HARRY MANAKA is a retired former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) executive now living in Washington State. Prior to beginning his career with the IRS, Harry played in several bands during what he refers to as the Sansei Dance Party era. Sansei is Japanese for Third Generation. Harry and his wife, the former Christine Kuroda, also o…

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Legal Landmines: ADA, Arbitration, & Antitrust in Self Storage - Legal Chat Episode 6 with Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker 42:30

2M ago42:30

42:30

As the self storage industry moves further online, legal risks are evolving fast. In this Legal Chat episode, Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker break down the biggest legal challenges operators face today—and how to prepare for them. Key topics include: Website accessibility & ADA lawsuits Deceptive Trade Practices and Drip Pricing Mandatory arbitrati…

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Everyday Uses for AI in Self Storage with Jennifer Barroqueiro 57:14

2M ago57:14

57:14

AI is everywhere in the self storage world—but how can operators actually use it day-to-day? In this episode, Jennifer Barroqueiro from All-Purpose Storage joins Josh and Melissa Huff to share real, practical ways managers and owners can leverage AI to save time, improve communication, and boost efficiency. We discuss: How AI can streamline emails,…

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Future-Proofing with Upgrades & Expansions: with Nigel Kreft 1:10:41

3M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

Is your self storage facility ready for the future—or falling behind? In this episode, Nigel Kreft from Elevate Structures joins Tommy Nguyen and Melissa Huff to talk about how to keep your property competitive, profitable, and positioned for growth through the right upgrades and expansions. We discuss: When and why to upgrade or expand (from occup…

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Icon MARGARET CHO: Representing Asian Americans Through Humor, Song & Activism, Our Cover 1st Model 59:27

3M ago59:27

59:27

We proudly announce the release of its latest episode featuring the trailblazing comedian, actress, singer and activist Margaret Cho. In this engaging and unfiltered interview, Cho opens up about her decades-long career in comedy and entertainment, her role in shaping Asian American representation, and her thoughts on current issues impacting AANHP…

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Director JEROME YOO’s Mongrels Eats Up The Film Festival Circuit 45:16

3M ago45:16

45:16

OG YOLK GenerAsian Next presents acclaimed Director JEROME YOO, a Seoul-born filmmaker based in Vancouver, B.C.. His films often explore complex themes of cultural identity, existentialism, and youthhood, blending surreal elements that blur the boundaries between dreams and reality. Growing up in Canada, there is a pulsating undercurrent in his wor…

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Incentivizing Your Managers 44:35

3M ago44:35

44:35

Your facility manager isn’t just an employee—they’re running your multi-million-dollar business. Are you training, empowering, and compensating them to reflect that responsibility? In this episode, we cover: What NOT to incentivize (and why the wrong goals can hurt your bottom line) How to educate your manager (or yourself) so they fully understand…

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The Hidden Complexity of "Simple" Self Storage with Jackson Stevens from Sparebox Technologies 1:11:43

3M ago1:11:43

1:11:43

Welcome back to Self Storage Lab, the podcast where we deconstruct how operators are adapting to today’s technology-driven landscape—and what it means for the future of the industry. This episode’s guest is Jackson Stevens, co-founder and CEO of SpareBox Technologies. From classical musician to building one of the most operator-informed tech stacks…

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Working Actor BRUCE LOCKE: Mortal Kombat: Conquest, & Watch For Him on SIDESLIP Film & LIFE CYCLE 63 1:48:30

3M ago1:48:30

1:48:30

Thank you to @bruce.locke for your time with Larry Tazuma. BRUCE LOCKE was originally not a martial artist and yet is known for some of the action characters he has portrayed. He has played alot of Asian roles. His fame began after his role in Robocop 3 and continued after portraying Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat: Conquest television series and …

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Run It Like You're Selling It 41:43

3M ago41:43

41:43

Whether you plan to sell next year or in 20 years, one thing is certain: you won’t own your self storage facility forever. So how do you ensure it’s gaining—and retaining—value? In this episode, we explore what it means to steward your storage asset with the future in mind. We break down three key areas that directly impact your facility’s long-ter…

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Social Media is Back! - How AI and META are Changing How People Find Self Storage 34:59

3M ago34:59

34:59

How's your social media presence? Do you post once a month? Once a year? If your Facebook page or Instagram profile are low priorities, it might be time for a change. A HUGE update from META dropped today. Posts on social can now be indexed on Google. Plus, Google is launching AI Mode to go along with their traditional search. What does this mean f…

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Making Tech Work For You with James Hatfield & Michael Brevdeh 1:27:30

4M ago1:27:30

1:27:30

We sat down with James Hatfield from LiveSwitch and Michael Brevdeh from Cubby to unpack how self storage operators can make the most of their technology—whether you're working with what you already have or considering your next big upgrade. We dive into: The essential tech tools every facility should have in place The most underutilized features o…

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Beyond The Hype: Building Useful AI in Self Storage 53:28

4M ago53:28

53:28

Welcome back to Self Storage Lab, the podcast where we deconstruct how operators are adapting to today’s technology-driven landscape—and what it means for the future of the industry. This episode is a throwback to the early days—with just Mason, Rodolfo, and Kyle at the mics. Together, they unpack where we really are in the AI timeline, why some bu…

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The Essential Signs For Your Facility 39:03

4M ago39:03

39:03

Clear, intentional signage isn’t just for looks—it can shape the entire customer experience, reduce confusion, and cut down on unnecessary phone calls. In this episode, we break down the essential signs every facility should have and why they matter. We cover: Why your main sign should be simple and brand-driven—no phone numbers required The one si…

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Foodies!! Ck out Restauranteur JUSTIN JOHNSON, the Brunch King of THE SERVING SPOON, Inglewood 1:03:07

4M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

“REAL FOOD. REAL GOOD.” THE SERVING SPOON Founded by HAROLD SPARKS in 1983, The Serving Spoon provides excellent food that is not only “Love At First Bite,” but a place where customers feel like family. Today, the restaurant is an Inglewood institution led today by Harold's grandchildren, JUSTIN JOHNSON and JESSICA BANE! Justin was a Captain in the…

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How to Beat the Low Intro Rates 26:16

4M ago26:16

26:16

One of the biggest questions we get asked is, "How can I compete with my competitor down the street who is offering the same unit as me but for 50% less?" Low intro rates are a strategy many large companies are using, but don't worry. You have options other than bottoming out your prices and losing money for the first several months of a rental. We…

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DIANA WENG: Actor/Networker/Jackie Chan’s Dialogue Coach 1:16:18

4M ago1:16:18

1:16:18

@ogyolkpodcast, we welcome DIANA WENG, Actor/Dialogue Coach/Networker & dabbled in CD as well! By helping Directors get Actors she worked with or know, yet she still finds time to be creative in the artistic way through painting and drawing. Not to mention Scout Coordinator for her community! She talks as fast as I do! Please look, listen, and subs…

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Real Life VS Running a Business - Can Your Self Storage Business Run Without You? 27:37

4M ago27:37

27:37

Sometimes real life just smacks you in the face. That was our week, and it happens to us all. If you run a small business, like self storage, it can hit a little different. What happens to your business if you get that call or text that forces you to focus all of your attention on something else? If you have to step away, will your business survive…

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ASIAN PERSUASiAN: Harmony Group, Find them on FB only! Google Them Correctly! 1:14:20

5M ago1:14:20

1:14:20

ASIAN PERSUASIAN, an Asian American vocal harmony group based in Southern California, performs favorite songs from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, including doo-wop, Motown, and pop. Kenny Itagaki (Inouye’s older brother), Gary Asamura and Dave Suga started the group over 40 years ago with Inouye and Jeff Louie joining later. They invited their audiences …

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Dealing with Dead Tenants 28:57

5M ago28:57

28:57

What do you do when a tenant passes away while renting a storage unit? This was the opening question AI came up with... Hopefully, no one has ever passed away in your office while renting a unit, but dealing with an existing tenant who has died happens more often than you think. This is one of the most uncomfortable but critical situations self sto…

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Balancing Tech and Humanity in Canadian Storage with Robert Madsen from U-Lock Mini Storage 1:09:01

5M ago1:09:01

1:09:01

This episode’s guest is Robert Madsen, president of U-Lock Mini Storage Group and the Canadian Self Storage Association. Robert’s story is rooted in the early days of the industry in Canada, having grown up working in his family’s first converted warehouse facility. Today, he leads one of British Columbia’s most recognizable storage brands and is a…

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DAVID HENRY HWANG: Legendary Playwright/PRINCE Song Co-Writer/Screen Writer! 56:38

5M ago56:38

56:38

DAVID HENRY HWANG, presently Tony nominated for YELLOW FACE for 2025 best dramatic play., an American playwright, librettist, screenwriter, and theater professor at Columbia University in New York City. He has won three Obie Awards for his plays FOB, Golden Child, and Yellow Face. He has one Tony Award (M. Butterfly) and two other nominations (Gold…

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MIRANDA KWOK: Showrunner/Writer/EP of Successful TV Shows: The 100, Spartacus & The Cleaning Lady! 1:00:57

5M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Miranda Kwok is a writer-actor-producer best known as the Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer of the U.S. television series adaptation "The Cleaning Lady," based on the original Argentine series "La Chica Que Limpia." Produced by Warner Bros. and FOX Entertainment, Kwok developed "The Cleaning Lady" for the Fox Network. Previously, Kwok serv…

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Our 1st Latina Guest - Exec. Producer of The Cleaning Lady- ROSE MARIE VEGA 37:47

5M ago37:47

37:47

ROSE MARIE VEGA has been actively associated with the most successful companies (Lorimar, Universal, NBC, Alliance Atlantis, HBO) and shows that made history in television (Dallas, Law and Order, Friends, CSI, True Blood,...). In 2011, based on her experience from Business Affairs to International Sales with a strong and proven track record, Rose-M…

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Optimizing Occupancy with Andrew Sherrard 1:15:41

5M ago1:15:41

1:15:41

In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Sherrard, owner of Reliable Storage in Seattle, to talk all things occupancy—and not just how full your units are, but how well your business is performing overall. In this rebroadcast of the May 29 webinar, we break down the three types of occupancy (yes, there are three!) and how to evaluate what’s actually…

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TIM KWOK: Film Producer Working W/Jackie Chan, Mackenyu & Sean Bean 1:02:01

5M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

The man who shall not be found! TIM KWOK, Film Producer and EP of many films, recently Hypergalactic - working with Toei Animation and J. K. Simmons and Sam Richardson, etc. His other films include Medallion with JACKIE CHAN, Knights of the Zodiac and Vampire, just to name a few. OG YOLK thanks TIM, Mobotory (provided space)and @kevinbostoncao for …

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ALAN PAO: Tunnel Post Prod & Finishing Film Financier, Back Soon As A Writer! 1:08:14

5M ago1:08:14

1:08:14

Alan Pao is the CEO of TUNNEL POST the Santa Monica based full service post-production company. Having guided over a couple hundred films through various phases of the post-production process, Alan has become one of the foremost experts in the post industry. Over the last decade, Alan has also produced and executive produced over 200 feature films …

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Personal Curb Appeal - Seeing Yourself As a Self Storage Amenity 28:11

5M ago28:11

28:11

We talk a lot about amenities in self storage—security cameras, clean units, keypads, gates—but what about you? The manager is one of the most important amenities at a facility, and often one of the most under emphasized. Appearance, attitude, and professionalism can either enhance or hurt your facility’s image. What you wear and what you support d…

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OLIVIA CHENG: Director of I Am Raquel on CW & Star of Lucky Star film, & Marco Polo TV & Warrior TV shows 34:04

5M ago34:04

34:04

Olivia Cheng is a dynamic actress and activist born in Edmonton, Alberta to working class, Cantonese-speaking immigrant parents. It was they who helped co-found the Edmonton Chinese Bilingual Education Association's Mandarin program within the city's public school system to which Olivia credits for her ability to speak Mandarin and instilling in he…

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When AI Isn't the Answer 46:36

5M ago46:36

46:36

AI is transforming the self-storage industry—from smarter security cameras and chatbots to automated rate comparisons and call evaluations. But how much is too much? In this episode, we take a balanced look at the role of artificial intelligence in storage operations and explore where it helps—and where it may be hurting more than helping. We discu…

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Kinosum Prods.- TERRY CHEN & Writer/Director GILLIAN MCKERCHER on Indie film LUCKY STAR 50:05

6M ago50:05

50:05

Film debuts May 13 on VOD, and will be in limited theaters tba! Thank you to Pender PR, and the Lucky Star cast and crew for making such a meaningful, universally relatable film. We look forward to seeing a GILLIAN McKERCHER film at https://www.kinosum.com/ and @kinosum . TERRY CHEN and OLIVIA CHENG are known by their numerous television and films.…

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ISS Takeaways with the On the Move Crew 57:39

6M ago57:39

57:39

In this special on-location episode from Boerne, TX, we're joined by the team from On the Move—Jim, Sherry, CJ, and Stacie—to unpack their biggest takeaways from the Inside Self-Storage World Expo, the industry's largest event. From expert-led education sessions to lively vendor conversations, this episode dives into: Why Good Questions Matter – Ho…

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"A" Magazine's GILBERT CHEAH Joins Us To Prove The Amicable Competition Between A Vs. OG YOLK 45:06

6M ago45:06

45:06

OG YOLK welcomes GILBERT CHEAH served as Associate Publisher of A Magazine for 7 years. In fact, when Larry Tazuma was Editor of Yolk Magazine, they met in Hawaii at the 1995 Asian American Journalists Association convention, and (according to Gilbert) even took pictures together with several other A Magazine staff. In this holiday season episode r…

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Transforming Urban Spaces Into Profitable Storage Facilities w/ Peter Smyth from White Label Storage 57:31

6M ago57:31

57:31

Company Overview & Background Founded by Peter and Alex (met at Harvard Business School) Started as Local Locker in NYC - urban storage platform focused on unused spaces Evolved into White Label Storage - third-party management service Alex just had second boy (now 5 kids between the two founders) Currently operate 30 stores under management platfo…

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Bankruptcy, Military Tenants, Search and Seizure - Legal Chat with Carlos Kaslow and Scott Zucker 35:29

6M ago35:29

35:29

In this quarterly Legal Chat, self storage attorneys Scott Zucker and Carlos Kaslow tackle the toughest legal challenges operators face in 2025. From military tenants and bankruptcy stays to lean sale objections and law enforcement searches, this conversation dives deep into the real-world scenarios that take storage owners out of the office and in…

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VERDI CHORUS: Opera For The Masses in Santa Monica 4/26-27 at 1st Presbyterian Church 39:47

6M ago39:47

39:47

We have our 41st episode. Welcome, our Opera Singers The Verdi Chorus concert this April 26-27!**note: I meant 5th amendment. . . and we had to rush this interview for the space time restrictions, apologies for the urgency! Renowned Filipino baritone ROBERTO PERLAS GOMEZ, is one of the featured guest Soloists this Spring for the Verdi Chorus. He ma…

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GEORGE HIROSE: NYC Photograher famed for his NYC & Japanese Photo Art 1:04:07

6M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

We welcome George Hirose is a New York City based Japanese-American photographer. He was born in the Bronx, and teaches at Pratt Institute. In 2013, his project to capture all 39 of the East Villagegardens was covered by the New York Times. His photos were always taken at night. In 2008 he published an art book called Blue Nights. https://www.georg…