The Culture Marauders Podcast

In this episode, "Perfectly Misplaced" Kellz talks with one of St. Petersburg's finest painters, illustrators, muralist and philanthropist, Ketsy Ruiz aka Sketzii. Ketsy grew up in the Puerto Rican diaspora of the US which richly inspires her work. As a fellow military brat, we discuss her background and the influence it provided her as an artist. We also touch on the "Diaspora", what it is and how she connected to LatinX communities throughout her numerous moves as a child. We also discuss social media and how to de-stigmatize its negative connotation and use it for the powers of good versus evil. Nothing is outside the lines here so give us a listen!

For more information on Ketsy Ruiz:

IG: @Sketzii

Website: www.sketzii.com

On a special episode that's 18 years in the making, Kellz sits down again with his son, Tha Kid Jaxon. Jaxon's a high school senior and has been fortunate to be recruited by 9 schools to continue his education and play football this fall. They talk about where he developed his love for the game, the challenges that come with it, lessons learned, and what success looks like in his opinion. Last but not least, he reveals his decision on where he will attend school this fall. Don't miss out on the beginning of the next episode and always trust "The Process".

It’s Endometriosis Awareness Month fellow Marauders! An estimated 1 in 10 women in the United States have Endometriosis which is a disorder when the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus causing pelvic pain and irregular menstrual cycles. Our guest is Dr. Gem Ashby, board certified OBGYN, Fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist and the Founder/Owner of Gentle Hands OBGYN where she provides routine and problem gynecological (GYN) care to women in the New Tampa and Wesley Chapel area.  In this episode, Dr. Ashby enlightens us on what endometriosis is, signs and symptoms to be aware of, available treatment, and the importance of being an advocate for your health and finding the right support to meet your needs. 

Happy Women’s History Month y'all. In this episode. Rina's marauding with Ashley Blair on her “Spiritual Journey”. A spiritual journey is a personal quest to reconnect with our souls, finding our authentic life purpose, and embody our true nature. Ashley is an U.S. Air Force Veteran, certified yoga instructor and a nutrition therapy student who embarked on a journey of self-discovery after separating from the military. She's traveled worldwide and engaged in a spiritual awakening that taught her holistic healing and how love and show up for herself. 

Happy 2023 Fellow Marauders!  The new year usually brings new goals, perspective, and personal growth.  In this episode "Zoya The Explorer" Kellz talks with new friend Zoya Awan.  Zoya is a business professional, a proud Pakistani-American woman, Muslim and world traveler.  Zoya talks about being a young Pakistani-American woman of immigrant parents experiencing the pressures of cultural expectations while still trying to find herself.  She takes pride in being a strong example to women on how to use their voice to tell their stories, own their truths and step out of their comfort zones by trying new things.  She also talks about the support and love for her family and culture as well as the priceless experiences she's had traveling the world and how they've helped shaped her.  

Finished with your holiday shopping and need a little something to unwind with while sipping on that nog?  Ya pal Kellz Klaus has got the perfect episode to lift your spirits!  In this episode "Bounce, Rock, Skate, Roll" he talks with social media influencer, professional Heely skater, musician, and all around nice guy James Geisler about leaning into his creativity.  James talks about his time on America's Got Talent and artist that influenced him at an early age.  Mostly known for his viral Heely videos, many don't know that James is a seasoned musician with a number of songs in his catalog.  Check out his latest release "Dusty" available now on all major music platforms.   Another cup of 'nog please!

For more on James Geisler:

Instagram: @jamesmakesmusic

Artist: JamesG

There's nothing cooler than watching a child discover a love for reading. In this episode titled "Show and Tell", Kellz marauds on the importance of diversity in literature with author Cathy Goldberg-Fishman and illustrator Melanie Hall as well as their "In the City" children's book series.  Cathy is a life long educator and has taught at elementary school level, directed a daycare, owned a children's bookstore, and has taught at a community college. Melanie is an award winning illustration of over 50 children’s books and has had her illustration exhibited at the Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators in New York. Also her books have been favorably reviewed by the New York Times Book Review.  Their collaboration on the "In the City" book series was created to showcase and celebrate the cultural diversity that can be found in each season while navigating the city in a fun and beautifully illustrated way.  They also have just released their latest installment "A Winter Walk In The City" which is available now.  

In Episode 2 "Deb Knows!", Kellz sits down with sports journalist, 2x Emmy Award winning producer, and Eagles super fan, Deb Whitcas to maraud on the world of sports journalism.  She shares how she fell in love with sports, how it led to her pursuing a career in journalism, the feeling of winning not one but 2 Emmy's and even breaks down some NFL action.  Huddle Up!

Follow Deb on Instagram: @sportsreportdeb

Season 4 is off is officially off and running!  For episode 1, a few Marauders join Rina and I to discuss the latest regarding Ye formerly known as Kanye West.  We discuss the "White Lives Matter" t-shirt and if we find it offensive, the current state of Black Lives Matter, and can Kanye be redeemed?  Strap in for a conversation that may make you look a little bit deeper into the mind of a self proclaimed "Free Thinker".

We've finally reached the end of season 3 and we're riding off into the sunset with a bang.  In our season finale, "Summer Madness", Rina and I sit down to discuss the recent repeal of Roe vs Wade with fellow Marauder Tatjana Lockhart and first time Marauder, Angela Costa.  We talk about our personal feeling on the ruling, our opinions on where our country is headed and what laws could be next to be overturned.  Angela even drops knowledge on a law that was passed without most of the population even knowing. 

In this episode and our last installment of our Womens History Month Series, Rina and Kellz talk with entrepreneur, designer, producer, and pole instructor Natalya Nightshade.  We break down the history and evolution of pole dancing, types of dances at strip clubs, some of the stigmas associated with pole dancing, the possibility of pole even being included in the Olympic Games, and her clothing and shoe line amongst other related topics.  Get ya weight up and work that core!

Find out more about Natalya at:

IG: @natalya.nightshade

Studio Nightshade: studionightshadeonline.com

Nightshade Design: shopnightshadedesigns.com

In this next installment of our Women's History Month promotion of women entrepreneurs and women owned businesses, Rina talks fashion with designer Nichole Bess.  Nichole is the founder of NYFWBLK (New York Fashion Week Black) which has created a platform for black designers to showcase their work during Fashion Week. Nichole shares her beginnings as she learned under icons Naomi Campbell and Russell Simmons, challenges she faced while getting NYFWBLK of the ground and what she needs to be successful going forward.  Learn more about NYFWBLK at www.nyfwblk.com and follow on IG @nyfwblk.

As part of our Women's History Month series on women entrepreneurs and story tellers, Rina sits down with Tammy Johnson.  Tammy is a military veteran and founder and operator of S.H.M.I.L.Y Soap Co. (See How Much I Love You).  Tammy talks about what inspired her to start her business, her mission and how investors can get involved and help with growth.   Check out www.shmily.com and follow S.H.M.I.L.Y on IG @shmily_soap

It's "Valentimes" Day fellow marauders and Rina and I are feeling the love!  Joining us to talk all things relationships is Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Katie Pfeiffer aka The Sweary Therapist.  Katie specializes in a number of different forms of therapy and methods such as The Gottman method and Attachement theory to help individuals improve relationships with others, themselves and to help couples lead a more fulfilling, authentic and connected life with each other all while keeping it 100% real.

Ayeeee Yoooo! We're marauding on hip hop with original Marauder Kyle Dawkins aka X and my guest the talented Darrell Ramey, also known as the emcee "Namliss" out of Japan.  In this episode Namliss talks about his latest album "Textures", the inspiration behind it and his music in general, and his journey.  We also drops our Top 5 rappers of all time, Kyle and I grade Namliss's overall skills with the Rapper Report Card made famous by Kool Moe Dee, and we run down the list Complex Magazine's Greatest Rappers Alive for each year starting from 1987.  Put on ya Kangol, Cazal's, and Shelltoes because we're "Rockin It".

We're Back Ya'll and Happy New Year!  After a well needed holiday break we're back on the grind with our latest episode "Soul on Ice" with our guest Sonya Bryson Kirksey.  Sonya has worn and continues to wear many hats in her life.  She's a mother, retired Air Force Veteran, mentor, artist, and the current national anthem singer for the back to back defending NHL champion Tampa Bay Lightning.  More importantly she's a Multiple Sclerosis warrior who has dedicated her time to MS awareness with Puck MS, childhood literacy and other worthy causes in the Tampa community.  Puck drops now!

Ep 9 "Because of the Brave" salutes all the veterans out there.  Joining Kellz are active duty veterans Ethan Lee and Kenneth Bridges.  We talk about the realism of war movies, our basic training experience, trade war stories and the current status of American veterans.  Thank you for your service!