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The UCW Radio Show with Louis Velazquez

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Former WWE/WCW Pro Wrestler Erik Watts

Watts attended the University of Louisville, where he was a quarterback for the Louisville Cardinals. Watts later trained as a wrestler under his father, Bill Watts, and debuted in 1992. After wrestling for three months, he was hired by World Championship Wrestling. While in WCW, Watts feuded with Arn Anderson. In 1995, Watts followed his father to the World Wrestling Federation. In the WWF, Watts was renamed “Troy” while Chad Fortune was renamed “Travis” and put in a tag team known as Tekno Team 2000. Wearing silver smocks and tight zubaz, their gimmick was that they represented the cutting edge of cyberculture. Watts joined the Philadelphia-based Extreme Championship Wrestling promotion in 2000, losing to Spike Dudley in his ECW Arena debut. He remained with the promotion for several months before departing. In 2002, Watts joined Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. He eventually formed a heel stable with David Flair and Brian Lawler (two other second generation wrestlers whose careers were overshadowed by those of their famous fathers, Ric and Jerry) known as “The Next Generation”. After the faction disbanded, Watts turned face. He acted as the TNA Director of Authority from July 23, 2003 to January 28, 2004, before being ousted from his position by Don Callis. Watts then feuded with his on-screen girlfriend, Goldy Locks, throughout 2004. In late 2004, he feuded with Raven, defeating him at Final Resolution on January 16, 2005 before leaving the promotion in February. Erik Watts is in mode to reenter the world of professional wrestling in the near future, whether it be color commentating or stepping back into the ring. Pro wrestling is in his blood and Watts is looking forward to adding value to the next major promotion he ties in with. Websites: www.universalwrestling.com

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Music Recording Artist Tina Sugandh

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have Tina Sugandh, the first “Bollywood” pop artist to hit the music scene, on the show. Tina Sugandh is becoming known as “The World’s First Bollywood Pop Star”. (Glam.com). One listen to the songs on Sugandh’s debut album and you’ll know you have discovered an artist worthy of such a title. This singer, songwriter, dancer, guitarist, tabla player, and actress has been performing since the age of five with her musical family, The Sugandh Family. She recently had two Billboard Charting Singles, has been on several Hollywood blockbuster soundtracks such as “Around the World in 80 Days, Christmas With the Kranks, Ice Princess, Raise Your Voice, The Clique” and more, was the voice of the theme song “Sisters” for Kelly Ripa’s ABC sitcom ‘Hope and Faith’, had a New York Post feature story about her, and recently sang and played tabla for Ringo Starr’s latest album and gave the Beatles percussionist a tabla tutorial which she shares with us on her YouTube site. With recent performances on the CW-11 and at the Astaire Awards with Liza Minnelli and Alan Cumming, and with features in media outlets such as The New York Post, Reuters international and more, this New Jersey native claims “now that my debut album TablaGirl has just been released, I’m really just getting started!” The songs on TablaGirl are musical tapestries that bring together the influences of Sugandh’s native India: the peaceful ghazals, the hardcore beat-driven sound of bhangra, and the phenomenally popular Bollywood soundtracks. Yet, by applying a contemporary sensibility to these styles, the singer has created a sound that will undoubtedly speak to pop music lovers everywhere, regardless of their cultural origins. Born in Bombay but raised in New Jersey, Sugandh grew up in a musical family. Her mother Geeta, father Kanaiya, and sister Seema all sang and played instruments, and Kanaiya enchanted audiences with his comedy and mimicry as well. Naturally the family loved to perform together, and shows for friends and family eventually led to the family performing professionally. It was at their very first professional “Sugandh Family” concert that the 5-year old sang her first song, a highly emotional and intricate ghazal. “I grew up singing in 7 different South Asian languages,” says Sugandh. It’s amazing to now have the freedom to express all the different musical styles I absorbed while growing up.” The family performed from Tina’s childhood through her college years, with one catch. While the weekend was for music, the week was dedicated to work. For Tina’s parents that meant their jobs as a professor and marketing executive. For Tina and Seema it was their schoolwork. Sugandh’s parents always made sure that the girls knew that the family’s passion for music and performance should never overshadow their academics. Eager to succeed at both, Tina balanced a career in music while graduating from Rutgers University, on the Dean’s List, with a degree in Biology. Instrumental in Sugandh’s musical education were the magnificent Bollywood soundtracks that are such a significant part of cultural life in India. “People in India get almost all of their music from soundtracks,” Sugandh explains. “They don’t usually know who the artists are. The films use playback singers, and then the actors lip synch to the music.” The singers may have been anonymous but the rhythm of the music made a very distinct impression on Sugandh, who took to playing percussion as eagerly as she had embraced singing. “I surprised my dad by asking him to let me play his dholak onstage when I was about 7 or 8,” she says, referring to the popular hand drum used in Indian music. ”I had never touched the dholak before that performance, but I somehow played well, and I remember there was thunderous applause! My parents said, ‘If you have that kind of natural rhythm, we’re going to start you on tabla lessons right away.” So began Sugandh’s love affair with the instrument that would come to define her dynamic sound. “Right after I took a few lessons, we incorporated the tabla into our performances,” she says. “When mom would sing and I would play, she would get such a sparkle in her eyes onstage. Performing as a family was the most amazing feeling.” Having achieved nothing less than rhythmic virtuosity over the years, Sugandh showcases her tabla skills on every track on the album (she is also an accomplished guitarist in her own right). The first single “Break Me” turns the sound of the tabla into a pulsating beat, creating an irresistible call to the dance floor. “Hey you, spicy thing, your masala makes me scream,” Sugandh sings playfully. The songs on TablaGirl, all written or co-written by Sugandh, almost uniformly convey the singer’s positive outlook. In the defiant “Jao,” the singer admonishes the “girls who spit dirty talk” and the “boys who act so tough.” In the slyly insinuating “Bollywood Girl,” Sugandh vows to not “act like those girls on those shows” and to not “abandon my morals.” “People sometimes think I’m a goody two-shoes,” says the singer. “But I’m not in this for the shock value. ‘Bollywood Girl’ is like an anthem to me; I’m saying that success is not so important to me that I would abandon my morals.” “Once you figure out who you are,” she says, “no one can hurt you,” – a lesson she hopes to impart to others through her music. “I hope I can help people like themselves. Nobody has all the answers; all we have is the power to do the best we can.” On the song “T.here I.s N.o A.lternative” (the title contains an acronym of her name), Sugandh sings metaphorically about shedding her cocoon and learning to fly. The song’s Western-style production, spiced up with a hint of Indian flavor, provides the perfect pop accompaniment for Sugandh’s exhilarating message. Immersed in a loving family, it’s no surprise that Sugandh also knows her way around a heartfelt love

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Bodybuilding Legend and IFBB Hall of Famer Rich Gaspari

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have IFBB Hall of Famer and Bodybuilding legend Rich Gaspari on the show. Rich Gaspari has been involved in bodybuilding and the fitness field for the past 20 years. Throughout these years Rich has accomplished many things. He started dabbling in weight lifting at the age of 14 and excelled as a top professional bodybuilder from the mid 80’s through the 90’s. Nicknamed the “Dragon Slayer”, Rich was both feared and admired by his peers for his groundbreaking conditioning and freakish muscularity. His success as a competitor, attributed to his scientific approach to diet and training and notoriously brutal work ethic, is a testament to a man who, though not as genetically gifted as many of his competitors, toppled nearly every giant of his day. Some of Rich’s past titles include the Mr. America – known now as the NPC Nationals, Mr. Universe, Professional Mr. World, 1st Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic Champion, Three Time runner up for the biggest and most coveted title in professional bodybuilding, the “Mr. Olympia”, and many other professional bodybuilding competitions. These titles brought him popularity and notoriety worldwide. He has appeared countless times in and on the covers of various publications such as Muscle and Fitness, Flex, Iron Man, Muscular Development, Muscle Media 2000, Muscle Mag International and many others throughout the world. Rich has also appeared in television commercials and on various TV shows such as the Tonight Show, Geraldo Rivera, and Regis and Kathy Lee. Rich also holds a certification with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. This has allowed him to help hundreds of people to achieve healthier lives by altering body composition and improving overall health and athletic performance through personal training and nutrition. Over the past 10 years, Rich has developed his own line of supplements under his name Gaspari Nutrition into one of the most formidable and best loved in the world. His determination and love of the sport of bodybuilding has seen its’ successful transition evident in his unyielding passion for developing the most effective sports nutrition and diet products of our day. “Rich Gaspari is a true example of the American Dream, hard work and determination mixed in with a vision has made both Rich a legend in bodybuilding and his nutrition brand one of most sought after in the world, when looking for an example of fighting for success you need not look any further than Rich Gaspari,” said Louis Velazquez, host of the UCW Radio Show. Websites: www.gasparinutrition.com www.twitter.com/richgaspari

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UK Singer/Songwriter Tara London

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have recording artist Tara London on the Show. With a training in acting, musical and technical theatre, Tara London’s involvement in performance and composition dates back to the early days of her youth. Strong influences including Billie Holiday, Elvis Presleyand Janis Joplin explain her passion for individuality and flair, especially in the adverse face of existing trends. Always projecting a sound that inspires an emotive response within her, the desire to spread this feeling to those around her is the main drive behind this hugely talented musician, caring little for the conventional trappings of fame and fortune. Presently working as a solo artist, Tara is often accompanied by her guitarist and backing vocalists but has also spent time working with two bands in recent years, travelling far and wide across London and the South East including venues such as The Blag Club, The Cobden Club, Spice of Life Soho, The Sidcup/Bexley Guitar Society, ‘ The Original Songwriters’@ The Backyard,Broadway Theatre, The Bedford, The Cedar room, The Gate and many more. With her work earning airplay on independent and national radio stations in and outside the UK, Tara’s endeavors have recently been reflected with a nomination at the 2008 Indy Music Awards; meanwhile, work continues on a first album ‘The Whispering Years’ signaling no pause in momentum for this bright star of the future. Websites: www.myspace.com/taralondon http://www.taralondonmusic.co.uk/

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International Model/Actress Phoebe Price

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have International Model, Actress and also Fashion Designer Phoebe Price on the Show, this is where you will find out more about the real Phoebe Price and not just what you see in the tabloids. Phoebe Price got her start as an international actress and model (in such cities as Capetown. S.A. Athens,Greece and Milan, Italy) Phoebe moved on to hosting a television show and has recently finished several films, “Survival of the Fittest” the Alex Melli Helmed “Horse Trader”, “Eye of Truth and “Lost in Transit’, “Shoot Me”. Not one to sit back on her laurels, Phoebe perfects her acting craft by studying with some of Hollywood’s top coaches including Howard Fine/Ted Brunetti, Robert Easton, Marge Haber, Michelle Danner/Larry Moss. A favorite of the photographers the former model and actress has graced the pages of such leading magazines as LA Confidential, Star Magazine, OK Magazine, Glamour, Vogue, In Touch Weekly, French Metro, Femina and others. Phoebe is an attendee of many Film Festival, Sundance, Cannes Film Festival, Cinevegas Film Festival, AFI Film Festival and will be the Ambassadrice and Speaker for the Monaco International Film Festival (2005). Phoebe generously lends her support to various altruistic causes, Cinema Fighting Cancer, Lili Claire Foundation, National Spokes Woman for “Women In Distress which helps battered women and children and many other charities. She is the spokeswoman for Fenix Cosmetics. She was the speaker for the opening of the Monaco Film Festival in Monaco. Websites: www.phoebeprice.com

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Kickboxing Boxing Legend Olando “The Warrior” Rivera

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have Kick boxing Legend Olando “The Warrior” Rivera on the Show. Every so often an athlete comes along who redefines the sport – taking it to an entirely new level. In basketball it’s Michael Jordan, in Baseball it’s Sammy Sosa, and in Kickboxing it’s Olando Rivera. Nicknamed “The Warrior”, Rivera has dominated the world super-light heavyweight class. Today Olando “Warrior” Rivera is the five-time world champion super light heavyweight kickboxer holding titles in the ISKA (International Sports Karate Association), KICK (Karate International Council of Kickboxing), WWKA (Worldwide Karate Association), P.F.K. and WMMA. Rivera unified the division for the first time in kickboxing history. His extensive professional kickboxing career hosts an impressive record of 32 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw. This record is even more impressive in the fact that two of the only three losses were his first two professional bouts – where, like a true champion, he fought back to maintain a virtually flawless record, winning 29 out of his 30 next fights, with 20 of these victories by knockout. Olando Rivera began his kickboxing career at the tender age of 9 in Brooklyn, New York where he began training in Tae Kwon Do. However his early career was temporarily derailed when his family could no longer financially support his training. Undaunted, Rivera earned the money himself and at the age of 13 was training once again. Since then, “The Warrior” has never looked back on his way to the top of the kickboxing circuit – and now the boxing – world. By the age of 35, he was the youngest person ever inducted into the World Karate Union Hall of Fame. Now with 30 years of martial arts training and 15 years of fitness instruction, Rivera has become a force to be reckoned with all over the world. Recently, he defeated the light heavyweight champions from both China and Brazil. Rivera recently expanded his kickboxing success into the professional boxing ring and now holds an equally astounding boxing record of 15-3-2 (8 by KO) He currently holds the Latin American WBC Championship Boxing title, and the IBC America’s Title. Olando intends on being the first Latino to dominate the two sports holding world light heavyweight titles in both kickboxing and boxing. In addition to fighting, Rivera has been motivating people outside the ring for years as a celebrity personal fitness trainer – training stars of the big screen, music and television. In New York, where the one-on-one Warrior Training concept originated, Rivera trained Another World’s Tom Eplin and Sandra Ferguson. In addition, he’s trained Silver Screen Star Wesley Snipes, R&B sensation Calvin Richardson, and World Champion WCW’s Evan Karagias, Former Buccaneer Player Brad Culpepper and several other Athletes as well He is also a seasoned Kickboxing trainer having instructed over 5000 clients worldwide, kids and adults alike, from as far away as China, Canada and the United States. Rivera’s unique training style and intense sport-training and agility techniques have been featured on ESPN, ABC’s Good Day New York, on CNN with Another World’s Tom Eplin, Madison Square Garden Network’s Martial Arts World, Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly, NY Daily News, pay-per view channels, ABC and NBC news and countless others. Rivera’s charismas on and off-screen have also been captured in the Latino market via Telemundo Network’s Occurio Asi. Olando Rivera is happily married to Deena Rivera and they reside in Tampa, Florida. Olando Rivera has four children: Victoria, Olando Jr, Anthony and Anjelina. The older kids are both skilled in martial arts and the sport of kickboxing. When he’s not inside the ring, training clients or playing with his children, you can usually find Olando racing motorcycles and cars in what little “spare” time he can garnish. Another passion of Rivera’s is his childhood love of gymnastics. Olando and Deena are both advocates for Autism and promoting Autism Awareness since their son Anthony was diagnosed back in 2001. Rivera is not only the greatest kickboxer in the world, but also one of the most sought after instructors and motivators. He is truly the definition of superstar – in the ring and out. We hope you will show your continued support as Olando prepares to embark upon a completely new venture with Warrior Classic Kickboxing. Amateur Kickboxing Events Presently Being Held In The Tampa Bay Area. Websites: www.olandorivera.com www.warriorclassic.com Donate to Autism Speaks in the name of Anthony Rivera at www.autismspeaks.org www.twitter.com/olandorivera

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Actress/Comedian Ursula Taherian

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have the ultra talented Actress/Comedian Ursula Taherian on the Show. Ursula Taherian was born and raised a Halfghani in Crofton, Maryland. She attended Arundel High School where she graduated in the top 3% of her class in addition to serving as class president, captain of the soccer and softball teams, acting with the Arundel Players, and serving as a member of the Spanish Honor Society. She moved to Baltimore to attend Loyola College in Maryland where she graduated Summa cum laude with a major in Finance and a minor in Spanish. At Loyola, Ursula stayed involved in both theatre and student government and enjoyed membership in Beta Gamma Sigma (International Honor Society in Business & Management), Sigma Delta Pi (National Collegiate Spanish Language Honor Society), and the Financial Management Association Honor Society. After graduation, Ursula worked as an internal consultant for a well-known international financial institution. Feeling creatively stifled, she eventually broke up with Corporate America and headed west, where she has since been working steadily in both film and television.  Currently, she can be seen on the new hit television show, “Reality Hell”, on E!  She was also just nominated for Best Actress and Breakout Action Star for her leading role in the film “Layla” that is presently making the festival rounds.  Other credits include the pilots, “Think Twice”, written and directed by Jordana Arkin and Wayne Brady’s “Joke’s On You”, as well as a series regular role on the HBO political satire, “The Message”. You can catch her on stage at the First-Ever Middle Eastern Comedy Festival (LA Weekly’s Choice in “Go LA”, Jewish Journal’s “Pick of the Week”) on Wednesday and Thursday, September 23 and 24, at the Acme Comedy Theatre.  Please visit www.mideastcomedyfest.com for details. Ursuala starred in such films as “Carver:”,  “Pizza Palace” , “Helmet” , “When Cobra Strikes” in addition to the ones already mentioned. She has received lots of praise for her films roles but her resume is broad as she also has vast television experience. She has starred in such  shows as “Raising The Roofs” on Spike TV, “North Mission Road” on Court TV, “The Mesage” on HBO, and her latest project “Reality Hell” which can be seen on E! . She has done pilots with the likes of Wayne Brady and is one of Hollywood’s Shining Stars. Her versatility has led her to take the lead in some theatre projects including “Publicityville” , “The Role Model” , “8 Shades of Layon Gray” , “Diary of a Catholic School Dropout” and “Wedding of Doom.” “I have to say that Ursula is one of the most enjoyable guests that we have had on the UCW Radio Show, her journey is one of sacrifice and success. She is without a doubt someone that deserves the accolades that she receives, giving up a promising career, leaving her family and making a success at what she set out to do, oh yeah she is just beginning, and will achieve great things not only in Hollywood but globally.” said Louis Velazquez host of the UCW Radio Show. See Ursula during the Middle Eastern Comedy Festival Tuesday September 22, 2009 and closes out on Friday September 25, 2009. Ursula will be in the sketch portion on Wednesday September 23, 2009 and on Thursday September 24, 2009, both nights at 7:30pm and 9:15pm PST. Here is some information on The Middle Eastern Comedy Festival that runs this coming Tuesday, 9/22, through Friday, 9/25.  I’m in the sketch portion on Wednesday (yes tomorrow…I know, I’m on the ball) and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. both nights. Current sponsors include KPCC (NPR), ABC/Disney, FOX, CNBC, and most recently Larry King is sending a reporter!  CNBC did an article on us and the LA Times is doing one as well.  We were LA Weekly’s Choice in “Go LA” and Jewish Journal’s “Pick of the Week”.  We also got support from the social action network, Take Part. CNBC article: http://www.cnbc.com/id/32842844 Jewish Journal article: Take Part article: http://www.takepart.com/blog/2009/09/22/an-arab-and-an-israeli-walk-into-a-bar/#like Websites: www.ursulataherian.com

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Pro Wrestler/Entrepreneur Lanny Poffo aka “The Genius”

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have WWE Pro Wrestling Star Lanny “The Genius” Poffo on the Show. Lanny Poffo began wrestling in the NWA territories in the 1970s before becoming a star and champion in International Championship Wrestling. Over the course of his regional career, Poffo both tag teamed and feuded with older brother Randy. Upon the ICW’s folding in 1984, he joined Randy in the CWA before traveling with him again to the World Wrestling Federation in June 1985. The brother angle was never worked in the WWF and the relationship was never mentioned on-air. While Lanny never reached the heights as it relates to popularity as his brother Randy “Macho Man” Savage did in the WWF, he still managed to find a niche for himself as a minor fan favorite. As Leaping Lanny Poffo, the Wrestling Poet, he would bring Frisbees to the ring, read a short ode written on one of them that he himself had penned, and throw the Frisbees into the crowd. Each poem typically ridiculed his opponent and created an opening or basis for a continued feud. Poffo wrestled a high-flyer style at a time when big, heavy wrestlers still dominated the promotion. He was one of the first wrestlers in North America to utilize the moonsault in their arsenal, though the announcers referred to it at the time as a “leaping backflip”. He made some publicity in late 1986 and early 1987 by competing in a series of Bunkhouse Battle Royals in full knight’s armor. In April 1989, Poffo was re-introduced as a heel wrestler and became The Genius, adopting a highly intelligent, sniffy persona and wearing an academic cap and gown to the ring. He officially turned heel at the Boston Garden on March 18, 1989 still known as Leaping Lanny, he berated Hulk Hogan and stuck up for his brother Randy Savage in his poem. This was a mere two weeks before Wrestlemania V. His poems now ridiculed the face wrestlers, and he now behaved in an even more effeminate manner to infuriate the crowd. During the match, the Genius would construct a mathematical equation that would tilt the balance of the match in his favor. In addition, the Genius also served as a manager (and occasional tag team partner) for Mr. Perfect. On the November 25, 1989 edition of WWF Saturday Night’s Main Event, The Genius beat WWF Champion Hulk Hogan by count out due to Mr. Perfect hitting Hogan with the championship belt. Later in the show, Mr. Perfect and Poffo took a hammer to the belt, shattering it to pieces. Later, The Genius was the manager of the Beverly Brothers . It was in this capacity that Poffo last appeared in the WWF, at Survivor Series 1992. Outside of wrestling, Poffo has released a collection of poems and limericks, most of which were related to drug and alcohol awareness, directed toward young children. Poffo is a staunch anti-smoker and has released a book of limericks entitled Limericks from the Heart and Lungs!. He is also a certified credit counselor. He was last seen on television in infomercials as an endorser of Tony Little’s Gazelle Freestyle exercise machine. Poffo is still on good terms with WWE, having written a poem for WWE.com in 2007 for the “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23 between Vince McMahon and Donald Trump. “Lanny Poffo is one of the most genuine people in the wrestling business, I consider him to be a great example of professionalism as well as being an inspiration to children through his poetry and books, he is just a great all around guy.” said Louis Velazquez, host of The UCW Radio Show. Poffo Family Picture Website: www.lannypoffo.com

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Bodybuilding/Powerlifting Champion Kate Baird

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have Bodybuilding and Powerlifting Champion Kate Baird on the show. Kate Baird was born on November 17 in Wilmington, Delaware. She grew up in typical “suburbia”, an ordinary girl. She was actually quite shy, even into her adult life, though most of those who know her, except for those who know her quite well, will refute that fact. Because of her shyness and timidness, She never put forth much effort when she was younger to explore and nurture any of the talents that she had, athletically, artistically or otherwise. She was always a bit offbeat, and because of her inability to accept conformity, she was seen as being quite outgoing and confident. Self esteem was something she didn’t have until I was in my 40’s. In her words, “I’ve grown a lot since I turned 40.” Kate’s fascination with strength and bodybuilding came one day when she was 10 or 11. Her father was watching the Wide World of Sports and the show was televising the Mr. Universe that Sunday afternoon. She admits that she watched with fascination, as Arnold, Franco, and Lou posed down. It was at that moment that she knew that someday she would be a bodybuilder, too. Of course, in the beginning of the 1970’s, girls just didn’t do that kind of thing. Kate watched in fascination as Lisa Lyon came to the forefront in the late 70’s, always hoping that she could find someone to show her how to lift weights and grow muscles. In the early 1980’s, Kate started dating someone who worked out, and it was then that she began her early training with a small set of plastic weights in the basement of his friends’ house in South Philadelphia. After a year or so, she joined the YMHA on Broad Street. Finally, a real gym! She worked out hard from the beginning, most of the time by herself, learning the ropes through reading the various publications, and trying things out in the gym. “I think people usually assumed that I knew exactly what I was doing,, basing that on the fact that I always went in and gave it my all each time I trained,” Kate explained. After she got married in 1990, she had a child, started a new career, life happened and the dreams got put on the back burner. Kate continued to work out in her backyard with her own dumbbells and bench, albeit these workouts were to stay in shape, nothing like the workouts she used to know. Kate tried joining a gym once or twice while her son was young, but her ex-husband was a chef and was never home, and her career in real estate was not exactly profitable in the beginning. She couldn’t afford a babysitter. so she kept to her backyard training. She slipped a disc in my back in 2001. That sure changed her life for a long time. One day in the fall of 2003 Kate just simply decided that her back was healed enough, and it was time to go back to the gym. It was automatic iron fever once again. It didn’t take very long for people to start asking her if she competed in bodybuilding. Kate said “I gather that was based upon the fact that I have been blessed with that right shape, and the fact that I still continued to train fervently and with purpose. That planted the seed to revive the dream I always had – to be a competitive bodybuilder. After only being back in the gym less than 10 months, I actually won the NPC 2004 DE State Overall title. During my diet preparation, I actually got very sick and decided to give this competition up. Luckily I had friends who talked me back into it (though that really didn’t take any arm twisting!). After three weeks off the diet, two weeks of no training, I went back on the diet with less than three weeks to go, and still won, much to my surprise. I had hundreds of dollars worth of blood tests taken during this time, and this is when they discovered that I have blood sugar issues – borderline diabetes. My problems were due to severe drops in blood sugar and a virus on top of that. I’ve since learned to keep the carbs up! (sorry all you low carb fanatics).” While she was training for that first contest, she met and became fast friends with a world-class powerlifter and former champion bodybuilder . It was through his encouragement and direction that Kate really began to see that she could take this sport to the levels that she desired. She was already stronger than the average girl. He spotted this right off the bat and nurtured her. He had Kate enter my first powerlifting meet as a way of keeping her size and strength as a prelude to a bodybuilding competition. “I know now that he was secretly prepping me for a future in a sport I have become quite passionate about. Before this, I didn’t know anything about powerlifting. I didn’t squat, I didn’t bench, and I didn’t even know how a deadlift was performed!,” she added. Kate entered her first powerlifting competition in May, 2005. Her lifts were actually very competitive in this meet, considering that she had only been “power” training for a few months. But she was hooked. She still continues to compete now and then in bodybuilding contests, however, in the words of Kate ” I don’t think anything matches the satisfaction of getting under that heavy bar loaded with iron – pushing or pulling and rising above the challenge. Currently, I choose to lift without the squat suit and the bench shirt. I have nothing against geared lifting, but personally I just find it cumbersome and annoying to wear it. I may change my mind in the future, but right now “raw” is where

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Pro Wrestler Scotty Riggs

Scotty Riggs real name Scott Antol debuted in 1992 using the ring name “Scott Stud”. In the early 1990s, he worked for various independent promotions, including the North Georgia Wrestling Association (a World Championship Wrestling developmental territory), Smoky Mountain Wrestling, and the United States Wrestling Association.Scotty Riggs signed a contract with World Championship Wrestling “WCW” in 1995 and it was there that he was given the ringname “Scotty Riggs”, the name Riggs being taken from the main character of the movie “Lethal Weapon” starring Mel Gibson. He was immediately placed in to a tag team with Marcus Alexander Bagwell, better known as Buff Bagwell, the brother of baseball great Jeff Bagwell,and they became known as “The American Males”. Together, they captured the WCW World Tag Team Championship once, but only held it for eight days before losing it back to Harlem Heat, the team they won it from in the first place.The team broke up in November 1996 when Bagwell turned heel, attacking Riggs and joining the New World Order.After the breakup, the former partners feuded for a short while, with Bagwell usually coming out on top.After bouncing around the mid-card for most of 1997, Raven took an interest in him in his next storyline. During a “No DQ Match” on the October 27, 1997 edition of Nitro, Raven caught Riggs in a drop toe-hold, sending him face first into a steel chair and injuring his eye in the process.Riggs then began wearing an eye patch. For the rest of 1998, Riggs again lurked around the mid-card before starting a narcissistic gimmick, constantly admiring his own physique. The gimmick was not particularly successful, and he was eventually released. In 2000, Antol debuted in Extreme Championship Wrestling as Scotty Anton, aligning with his real-life friend Rob Van Dam. At Hardcore Heaven, Anton betrayed Van Dam, knocking him off the top rope to the floor, allowing Jerry Lynn to pin him and thus end Van Dam’s lengthy undefeated streak. From there, he joined The Network as a “hired gun”. Van Dam gained revenge at Heat Wave, defeating Anton by debuting his Van Terminator. After ECW declared bankruptcy in April 2001, Antol returned to the independent circuit, where he found the greatest success of his entire career in Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling as he became a three time TCW Heavyweight Champion as well as a one time TCW Tag Team Champion with Erik Watts. Upon getting his life together, Scotty Riggs resumed his wrestling career and returned to wrestling under his “Scotty Riggs” ring name for numerous independent promotions,  Riggs has also joined Entertainers That Care, a group that works alongside celebrities to help in fundraising events for many causes, and theChildren’s Miracle Network. www.twitter.com/REALScottyRiggs

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Competitive Fitness Model Champion Michelle Demaria

Michelle is one of those people that are more than what meets the eye. Its true that she is a Fitness Competitor and with only two years under her belt she has snagged an endorsement deal and a number of appearances representing bodybuilding.com. She is also an educator, teaching High School in Canada, Michelle definitely must have the highest attendance record in the district. She is getting herself set to compete in 2010 and looks to make 2010 a banner year. According to Michelle she has been teaching High School for about ten years, lucky kids, and she really has a passion to mold the minds of the youth, but her true claim to personal fame is being a mom. Her little one, all of 6 years old, is one of the most well mannered 6 year old girls that we had the pleasure to interact with, she is actually the one that pushes her mom to do better and compete, and she doesn’t just talk the talk, this little one walks the walk being a competitive dancer herself. And yes she is doing her very first solo shortly. So Michelle is not your typically fitness competitor, and her story is not just about pumping iron or dieting, there is a true story of a single mom guiding the way for her child, holding down a career and through fitness she is able to set an example to her students, and above all her daughter, that you can accomplish anything if you just put your mind to it and want it to happen badly enough. To find out more about Michelle DeMariawww.michelledemaria.com 

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Author/Leading Authority on Outlaw Biker Clubs Edward Winterhalder

The UCW Radio Host Louis Velazquez had the opportunity to have Author/Leading Authority on Outlaw Biker Clubs Edward Winterhalder on the Show. Edward Winterhalder is an American author, entrepreneur, and leading authority on motorcycle clubs and the biker lifestyle; his books are published in multiple languages and sold all over the world. Author of a historical look into the secret world of outlaw motorcycle clubs (also known as biker gangs), his autobiography about the time he spent with the Bandidos Motorcycle Club titled Out In Bad Standings: Inside The Bandidos Motorcycle Club – The Making Of A Worldwide Dynasty was published in November 2005, according to large bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Winterhalder is also the co-author, with Canadian motorcycle journalist Wil De Clercq, of The Assimilation: Rock Machine Become Bandidos – Bikers United Against The Hells Angels (published by Canada’s ECW Press in June 2008); the co-author, with James Richard Larson, of All Roads Lead To Sturgis: A Biker’s Story (published by Blockhead City Press in February 2009); the co-author, with Australian Arthur Veno and Canadian Wil De Clercq, of Biker Chicks: The Magnetic Attraction of Women to Bad Boys and Motorbikes (published by Australia’s Allen & Unwin in May 2009) and the co-author, with Canadian Wil De Clercq, of L’Assimilation: Rock Machine & Bandidos Contre Hells Angels (published by Canada’s Octave Editions in June 2009). An October 2006 issue of Rockstar Magazine described Winterhalder as being the high ranking member of the Bandidos responsible for the assimilation of a Canadian motorcycle gang known as the Rock Machine in 2001, which then became the Canadian chapters of the Bandidos. An executive producer of the Living on the Edge DVD/television reality series, Winterhalder was born in New England, grew up in Connecticut and moved to Oklahoma after serving in the US Army. In Oklahoma he joined the Rogues Motorcycle Club in the 1970s, and was a close associate and/or a member of the Bandidos for more than twenty years. He has been seen on Fox TV News, History Television, the History Channel, the CBC Canadian TV evening news, been a featured author on Bravo TV’s “The Word”, and has been quoted by hundreds of magazines and newspapers worldwide such as the Seattle Weekly, the Austin Chronicle, the Sunshine Coast Daily in Australia and The Guardian in England; the media recognizes him as one of the world’s leading authorities on the Bandidos, outlaw motorcycle clubs and bikers. A consultant to the entertainment industry for television shows and feature films that focus on the biker lifestyle, the main character Jax Teller in the new series Sons of Anarchy is partially based on specific aspects of Winterhalder’s life as portrayed in his first book Out In Bad Standings, according to the Laconia Citizen and Bombin’ Magazine Website: www.blockheadcity.com Edward Winterhalder Books and DVDs to date include (4 more books coming in the next 18 months): L’Assimilation: Rock Machine & Bandidos Contre Hells Angels (Co-Author Wil De Clercq – Octave Editions Canada June 2009) Biker Chicks: The Magnetic Attraction of Women to Bad Boys and Motorbikes (Co-Author Arthur Veno with Wil De Clercq – Allen & Unwin Australia May 2009); All Roads Lead To Sturgis: A Biker’s Story (Co-Author James Richard Larson – Blockhead City Press USA February 2009) The Assimilation: Rock Machine Become Bandidos – Bikers United Against The Hells Angels (Co-Author Wil De Clercq – ECW Press Canada June 2008) Living on the Edge: Riding with the Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club in Pennsylvania (Blockhead City Entertainment USA December 2007) Out In Bad Standings: Inside The Bandidos Motorcycle Club – The Making Of A Worldwide Dynasty (Blockhead City Press USA November 2005)

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Acclaimed Writer and Director Sheldon Lettich

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2021-10-26-PowerHour_SheldonLettich_04292021.mp3 Sheldon Lettich was born in New York City, but moved to California at a young age and grew up in the Los Angeles area. After graduation from high school he spent nearly four years in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as a radio operator in South Vietnam with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, and later with the elite 1st Force Reconnaissance Company based at Camp Pendleton, California. He worked his way through college as a professional photographer, and attended at the American Film Institute’s Center for Advanced Film Studies as a Cinematography Fellow. Although his initial career goal was to become a director of photography, at the AFI his interests branched out to encompass writing and directing, which became the two fields where he found eventual success in the entertainment business. Based partly upon his experiences in Vietnam, he co-authored the renowned play, “Tracers,” with a group of Vietnam Vets who were also aspiring actors. First performed on July 4th, 1980 at the Odyssey Theater in Los Angeles, the play then traveled to Joseph Papp’s Public Theater in New York City, the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago (directed by Gary Sinise), the Royal Court Theater in London, and numerous venues worldwide. It received both Drama Desk Awards and L.A. Drama Critics Awards, and is still being performed throughout the world. Around the same time, Lettich was writing numerous spec screenplays. One of these, co-written with Josh Becker, subsequently became the cult classic, Thou Shalt Not Kill… Except (1985), which starred Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi. Eventually his screenplays began attracting the attention of producers in Hollywood. He co-authored the Cold War drama, Russkies (1987), which was the first starring role for a young Joaquin Phoenix. Around the same time he wrote the screenplay for the now-classic martial arts film, Bloodsport (1988), which launched the career of Jean-Claude Van Damme. One of his Vietnam-based screenplays caught the eye of Sylvester Stallone, which resulted in an overall deal with Stallone’s White Eagle Productions, and led to him co-writing Rambo III (1988) with Stallone. The success of Bloodsport not only turned Jean-Claude Van Damme into an international action star, but it also forged a long and ongoing friendship with the man who wrote it. Van Damme helped to launch Lettich’s directing career with the film, Lionheart (1990) , which became Van Damme’s first movie to be released theatrically by a major U.S. studio. This was followed by Double Impact (1991), which was filmed in Hong Kong, with Lettich directing Van Damme in a challenging double role as twin brothers seeking revenge for their parents’ murder. Lettich next discovered Mark Dacascos, who made his starring debut in Only the Strong (1993), a film that introduced the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira to international audiences. He also directed Dolph Lundgren in The Last Patrol (2000), and Daniel Bernhardt in Perfect Target (1997). Continuing his long association with Van Damme, Lettich was a writer and a producer on the historical French Foreign Legion film, Legionnaire (1998), starring Van Damme and shot on location in Morocco. And he directed The Order (2001), an action-thriller starring Van Damme and Charlton Heston, which was filmed on locations in Israel and Bulgaria. His most recent directorial effort, which he also co-wrote, is The Hard Corps (2006), an urban action-romance. Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and Vivica A. Fox, the film was shot on locations around Vancouver, Canada, and on sound stages in Romania, and was financed and released worldwide by Sony Pictures Entertainment. His latest movie is Max (2015), which he co-wrote with his long-time friend, Boaz Yakin. The movie was directed by Boaz and produced by MGM. It was released nationwide in the USA by Warner Brothers on June 26th, 2015, and by the end of the summer had grossed $43 million. The novelization sold over 100,000 copies. A sequel has been completed. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0504802?ref_=nmbio_mbio http://www.sheldonlettich.com/ https://www.facebook.com/SheldonLettichOfficial/

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Former World Martial Arts Champion and Actress Christine Bannon-Rodrigues

https://ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2015-05-15_christinebannonrodrigues_interviewucw.mp3 When Christine Bannon-Rodrigues first bowed in she was 13 years old. At the time the Rhode Island teenager never realized that she would one-day reign supreme as one of the super stars in the world of martial arts. Christine studied Kenpo and Wu shu, earning her black belt at age 17. She quickly became the person to beat in fighting, forms and weapons. A formidable competitor Christine was a triple threat wherever she went. Her skill as a fighter was proven time and time again, and in forms and weapons Christine was unstoppable. In 1991 Christine astounded the martial arts world by becoming a Triple Crown winner at the WAKO World Championships in England. “I won three gold medals in forms, fighting and weapons,” Christine recalled. “Everyone thought it was a freak occurrence and that I was just lucky. That got me worked up so I decided to prove my critics wrong, so in 1993 I did it again.” After winning her second Triple Crown she turned her talents and efforts into becoming a TV and movie star. Martial arts legend and action choreographer Pat Johnson hired Christine to double the star in “The Next Karate Kid.” This led to roles in Mortal Kombat, WMAC Masters where she starred as “Lady Lightning and she stunt doubled Alicia Silverstone (Batgirl) in “Batman and Robin.”Christine has also been featured on the cover of every major martial arts magazine in the world and she has written and starred in more than seven instruction videotapes. She is also the darling of the trading card set, being featured in the 1992 John Paul Mitchell National Karate Team Premier edition, Karate Kards, Sport Karate Champions, Martial Arts Masters Trading Cards, Premier Edition and the International Card Collection of Athletes medallion collection. With an eye on the future, Christine says that the Black Belt Registry will be of great benefit to all martial artists, “The access it gives us (martial artists) to everything from training tapes to gear and so much more is amazing,” she says. “One of the things I use it for is finding authentic Chinese weapons. The Internet and the Black Belt Registry is going to take martial arts to its next level.” Christine has graced the cover of almost every major martial arts magazine in the world, her relentless pursuit of working with the youth of martial arts. “Christine is one of the true gems of the world of Martial Arts, her and her husband Don have contributed so much over the decades and continue to do so.” Louis Velazquez

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Former World Kickboxing Champion, Actress and Stuntwoman Kathy Long

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2021-10-25-PowerHour_KathyLong_03312021.mp3 Although retired from the ring for several years now, Kathy Long is still one of the most recognized woman in kickboxing today! She is still active in the sport from doing special appearances and giving seminars to serving as an event official. She’s also been in several movies as well. During her career she won 5 World Kickboxing Titles. Kathy began her studies in the martial arts with Aikido and has also studied in arts such as Shorin Ryu Karate & Kung Fu. She currently holds 4 different Black Belts in 4 different styles (Kung Fu San Soo, Aikido, Kung Fu and Shorinryu Karate) including a Masters Rank in Kung Fu San Soo. She is an expert in handling firearms, knives, swords and all other weaponry. As a Professional Kickboxer Kathy has been known as as a well conditioned and hardened fighter. She was a very successful kickboxer winning a total of 5 World Championships and they include: 2, KICK World Titles1, WKA World Title1, ISKA World Title1, WMAC World Title where she pummeled Japanese fighter Kyoko Kamikaze in Las Vegas, breaking her ribs and bruising her kidneys as Kathy walked away with (at the time) the highest purse ever paid to a Female Kickboxer of $20,000. Her ring career included wins over Ramona Gatto,Bonnie Canino, Japanese star Kyoko “Kamikaze” Miyazaki, French champion Dani Rocard, Canadian champion Nora Daigle and two defeats over Denise Taylor. Her only loss as a professional kickboxer (18-1-1/5) came in a Muay Thai match with Britain’s Lisa Howarth at Pickett’s Lock near London in February 1990. There was to have been a rematch later that year and Kathy trained in the Thai style with that in mind. But then Lisa got badly cut in a loss to French savate champion Nancy Joseph, and had to cancel. A two time Black Belt Hall of Fame Inductee (Woman of the Year 1991 & Full Contact Fighter of the Year 1992), she retired from kickboxing in the mid 1990s choosing to concentrate on her film career and other interests. She has appeared on more than 35 martial arts magazines covers in the United States, Europe and Asia. Her work in the movie industry includes stunt work and fight choreography: She was Michelle Pfeiffer’s stunt double in “Batman Returns” (1992) and fight choreographer for the “Death Becomes Her” (1992). She has appeared on several television shows, including “Walker, Texas Ranger” with Chuck Norris. She has written several monthly columns, titled “Long Shots” for Black Belt Magazine and has also appeared in movies such as Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997), Under the Gun (1995), The Stranger (1995) Natural Born Killers (1994), Knights (1993) and Rage and Honor (1992). However, Kathy has a long list of other accomplishments as well. She has appeared on numerous television shows and in publications ranging from People magazine to a full-color layout in the National Enquirer. She is also an accomplished musician who plays proficiently musical instruments such as the Harp, Violin and Guitar. She also wrote a book entitled “No! No! No!: A Woman’s Guide to Personal Defense and Street Safety “( Paperback / Berkley Publishing Group / October 1993) along with Kickboxing Fitness Videos such as, “Kickboxing for Fun & Fitness” & “Championship Kickboxing with Kathy Long – “Round 1” Kathy is also a model and spokesperson for Century Martial Arts Equipment.

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Martial Artist, Former WWE Wrestler & Actor Ernest “The Cat” Miller

Former WCW & WWE star, Martial Artist and Actor Ernest “The Cat” Miller is beyond a wrestler, he is first and foremost a true martial artist. He has secured a recurring role on the new MacGyver TV series, has other film projects in motion and is launching his professional point fight league. Also on the show is actor and martial artist Vincent Cecere, he has a number of projects in the works that can’t be mentioned yet but they are sure to be awesome films. He does a lot of giving back that we hope to touch on next week. Miller made his World Championship Wrestling (WCW) debut when he saved Glacier from a two-on-one attack by Wrath and Mortis at the 1997 Slamboree pay-per-view. Initially thought as just a fan who had jumped the railing, the WCW commentators then realized that this was no ordinary man and he was in fact the three-time karate champion Ernest Miller. Glacier and Ernest Miller quickly became tag team partners in their feud with Mortis and Wrath. After Glacier turned on Miller, Ernest left him and became a villain with Sonny Onoo as his manager. It was during this time that Miller’s popularity heightened. As a villain, Miller adopted an arrogant, Muhammad Ali-like trash-talking personality, calling himself “The Greatest” and gloating that he could beat anybody within two minutes, which he often did using his signature kicks. It was also around this time that Ernest began wearing ruby slippers in the ring and dancing in a James Brown-esque fashion to celebrate his victories. He would claim on Nitro that he knew the actual James Brown, leading to a pay-per-view “dance-off” between Miller and Brown, who had been brought in specially. Miller even went as far promoting his own instructional, karate home video with a pseudo infomercial. This served as a comedic parody to Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo exercise videos which were quite popular at the time. Miller and Onoo also did comedy duo routines similar to Chris Tucker and Jackie Chan’s characters from the film Rush Hour. Miller then began a minor feud with Kaz Hayashi, as Onoo has been previously Hayashi’s manager and had left him to manage Miller. Ernest won several matches over Hayashi with Onoo’s help, and also enlisted Perry Saturn as his ally. However, Saturn suffered many losses against inferior opponents due to Miller’s botched interference, so the two faced off at Starrcade, where Saturn won. Miller continued coming out and challenging the fans, the wrestlers, and anyone else to try and take him out, feuding with Scott Norton. For a time, he started coming out with the snow machine and music of Glacier, which Onoo had “purchased”, but it was short-lived, and he soon returned to his James Brown music. In March 1999, Miller and Onoo attacked fellow martial artist Jerry Flynn, with Ernest cutting off Flynn’s ponytail as a sign of disrespect. They all faced off in Uncensored in a handicap match, but Flyinn defeated them both. Miller bounced back after some time, getting a win over Scott Norton after hitting him with a crowbar. He and Norton were scheduled to wrestle in The Great American Bash, but Norton was pulled out for health problems and replaced with Horace Hogan, who Miller defeated after kicking him with a steel-tipped red dancing shoe. In June 1999, Miller had a dancing contest with Disco Inferno, who he attacked in jealously over the fans’s attention. They fought in Bash at the Beach in a “dance match” with the stipulation that the loser could not dance anymore (though this stipulation was removed at Bash at the Beach), with Miller winning thanks to Onoo. The Cat’s next opponent would be Buff Bagwell, who became famous by doing an impersonation of Miller with a bald cap and black face paint. The two met at Road Wild, but this time Onoo’s help backfired when he accidentally hit the wrong man with a briefcase, making Miller lose the match. After that, the two broke up and Onoo left WCW.

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Martial Arts Leader Oso Tayari Casel

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2015-05-15_tayari_casel_power_hour_12182012.mp3   Oso Tayari Casel is a humanitarian dedicated to improving the world one community at a time. His many cultural and philanthropic missions to several countries around the world fostered his cognizance of impactful community involvement. Throughout the years, Oso advanced his service-oriented endeavors in the United States as a youth counselor, community engagement consultant, and most-notably as a world-renowned Martial Artist. His awareness of how Martial Arts and cultural involvement can transform communities is specifically harnessed within the Hospital Safety and Security Industry through Elite Security Services & Solutions, LLC. Oso Tayari Casel is the founder and director of the Tayari Casel Martial Arts Academy, Inc.; an institution that researches, demonstrates and spreads the contribution that Africa and China have given to the international martial arts community, while simultaneously furthering the appreciation of contemporary and traditional African and Chinese culture. His studies include cultural and humanitarian missions to Africa, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, The Netherlands, and Taiwan, the Republic of China, the arts of Kupigana Ngumi, Shaolin and Tai Chi Chuan with the Directors of the Pan Afrikan Martial Arts Federation. One of the strongest aspects of the Tayari Casel Martial Arts Academy is its dedication to community development, health and well being. Oso is an instructor at several elementary schools in the DC public school system. Over several decades he has worked as consultant for the Substance Abuse Services of the Department of Corrections for the Lorton Prison and Correctional Treatment Facilities. He has served as the Primary Substance Abuse Counselor for a federal program at a juvenile maximum-security prison and has worked with the District of Columbia Government’s Department of Human Services at group homes for youth involved in the juvenile justice system. In addition, he worked as a consultant to CASA Community Health, (Baltimore) a national prevention project focused on public housing developments funded by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University. Oso is a Marital Arts Grand Master and utilizes his more than 55 years of experience as a Martial Arts Hall-of-Famer and instructor to lead Elite’s officers in the art of de-escalation. His ideals are at the heart of Elite’s core values of Discipline, Courtesy, Respect, and Care. These same ideals often lead the company into the midst of some of the most criminally active cities in America, where Oso continues to focus Elite on doing the highest good. During his prestigious tournament career Oso Tayari Casel ranked in the “Top Ten Black Belts in the USA” for over a decade. In the fall of 1980 he was S.T.A.R. Rated # 1 in Kung Fu and has won in some of the most prestigious competitive arenas in North America, such as: the Battle of Atlanta, Diamond Nationals, Superstar Nationals, AKA Grand Nationals, Top Ten National, Bare Knuckle Knock Out Championship and Nevada State Grand Championship. Oso Tayari Casel was one of the first to popularize ground fighting in competition. In 1975 he was the only non-Karate practitioner chosen by Chuck Norris to represent the USA in team fights. Recognition of his fighting and technical artistry garnered appearances on the covers of international martial arts publications including: Official Karate, Black Sports, Martial Arts Tradition, History and People, Inside Kung Fu, Defense Combat, Men of Steel Discipline, Black Heroes of the Martial Arts and The Official History of Karate in America: The Golden Age: 1968-1986. He was featured in two recent martial arts documentaries: Urban Dragons: Black and Latino Masters in the Chinese Martial Arts and The Black Kung Fu Experience for Public Broadcast Systems (PBS). He is inducted in the Action Martial Arts Magazine’s Hall of Honors & Spirits Awards: Golden Pioneer, World Professional Martial Arts Hall of Fame: Legend Kung Fu Fighter, United States Karate Hall of Fame: Grand Master, Golden Eagle Awards, Howard University Washington, DC, Chicago Martial Arts Lifetime Achievement Award, and many more. After retiring from competition he successfully co-founded and promoted the Triple “AAA” rated US Capitol Classics Martial Arts Tournament for seven years in the nation’s capital. Oso Tayari Casel has appeared in various martial arts films and is a frequent guest on local television and radio programs. He teaches and lectures throughout the country and internationally, and is the Master Teacher at Tayari Casel Martial Arts Academy in Silver Spring, Md. Tayari Casel also performed as a professional magician at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. Oso Tayari Casel began martial arts during the turbulent times of the civil rights era. For reasons as simple as being able to defend himself from neighborhood bullies or dealing with confrontations involving the extremist of society as well as self pride. Forty Seven (47) years later little did he recognize that his childhood hobby would take him around the world. During those travels he would have life changing experiences, visiting fascinating places, meeting intriguing people and sharing moments of despair, fatigue, sadness, frustration, joy and happiness. He never imagined on that early fall evening when he took his first class at the Southtown YMCA in Chicago, Illinois @ 66th and Union Avenue that his journey into the martial arts would leave a legacy around the world.

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Black Belt Magazine Hall of Famer Willie “The Bam” Johnson

Martial Arts Leader Willie “The Bam” Johnson, is an award-winning martial arts teacher whose life mission is to help young adults and others become empowered, through the martials arts in order to make good life choices. He is a seven-time sport karate and kung fu world champion, a two-time All-American champion, and a nationally ranked Triple Crown martial arts champion. He teaches at The Bams Martial Arts Academy. Willie H. Johnson resides in Laurel Maryland. He can be contacted at www.pointmma.com Willie is passionate about empowering others, below are a list of activities he either founded or personally supports. POINT MMA Safety based Mixed Martial Arts Krazy Martial Athletic 1-minute fitness workout challenges Diva Grit Empowering women through fitness and self-defense Authentic Street Combat! Safety Safety and street self-defense WARRIOR MINDSET Helping people to find balance in live through martial arts CALL 2 ACTION Finding the next big martial arts action stars!

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Grandmaster Jessie Bowen

Grandmaster Jessie Bowen is an expert in life success, sports performance training, and international business coaching. He is a corporate educator for Duke Corporate Education and trains executives on how to break through barriers to achieve their next level of success. He is the President and Owner of Karate International of Durham, Inc. and Elite Corporate Coaching. ​ ​He opened his martial arts school in 1980 in Durham, NC, running a successful school with hundreds of students under his leadership. Hosting one of the longest-running martial arts tournaments in North Carolina, the Durham Karate Open, established in 1979, Grandmaster Bowen is the former coach of the Duke University Taekwondo Team, former martial arts coach for the University of North Carolina of Chapel Hill football team, former sports coordinator for the NCAS and the USOC Olympic Festival, inducted into numerous martial arts halls of fame for his martial arts achievements including the Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Honors 2018 Contribution in Publishing Award, for 2018 Who’s Who in the Martial Arts Book. As an educator, he has been on the Duke University Physical Education staff for over 20 years, influencing thousands of students in mind-body training. Hanshi Bowen is also a professional bowler (PBA Member) and bowling instructor of physical education at Duke University. He has published over 20 books on personal development training, including the 2015 & 2015 Who’s Who in the Martial Arts Autobiography Book, Unstoppable Confidence, Change Your Mind, Change Your Life Success Guide, Get Motivated – the Key to Success, Zen Mind-Body Meditation System – Meditation for Everyday Living, and others. https://www.amazon.com/Jessie-Bowen/e/B00M2HGDEG

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The Black Dragon Ron Van Clief

Ron “The Black Dragon” Van Clief is a martial arts legend. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1943, where he started martial arts training in his early teens. Ron Van Clief served in the U.S. Marine from 1960 to 1965 with a tour in the Vietnam War in the year 1965. Following his military service, he became a New York City Transit Police Officer from 1965 to 1968. Ron Van Clief went on to become a five-time karate and kung fu world champion and a 15-time All-American Champion. He has competed in both full-contact and non-contact karate tournaments in New York and several national tournaments. His martial arts training began in the mid-1950s, which he later trained alongside Bruce Lee in Hong Kong and was nicknamed, “The Black Dragon”. Van Clief was a student of Goju-Ryu masters Peter Urban, Frank Ruiz, and Moses Powell, as well as WingTsun founder Leung Ting Modern Arnis (Remy Presas) Brazilian jiu-jitsu (Joe Moreira). On December 16, 1994 he competed in the 4th Ultimate Fighting Championship at age 51 against Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion Royce Gracie. Van Clief is an author and creator of a number of instructional books and video recordings, as well as film choreographer and actor appearing in several films. Ron Van Clief continues to conduct seminars and attend training with his son in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. https://www.ronvanclief.com/

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Founder of Combat Hapkido John Pellegrini

The founder of modern Combat Hapkido Grandmaster John Pellegrini has many accomplishments to his name and here is a list of them so that readers can learn much more about one of the leaders of the world of martial arts.  10th Dan Combat Hapkido – World Martial Arts Alliance, 9th Dan Hapkido – World Ki-Do Federation / Hanminjok Hapkido Association,     Founder / President “International Combat Hapkido Federation” , •    9th Dan TaeKwonDo – Founder “Independent TaeKwonDo Association”,     Founder / President of the “International Police Defensive Tactics Institute”,   Founder / President of the “Military Combatives Association”,    Founder / President of the “World Martial Arts Alliance” HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS 1988 USA Korean Karate Association “Instructor of the Year”,  1995 World Martial Arts Hall of Fame “Diamond Life Achievement”  ,   1996 – 1997 WHFSC Martial Arts Hall of Fame “Golden Life” – “Founder of the Year”,   1996 Florida Martial Arts Hall of Fame “Pioneer”, 1998 Martial Arts Masters, Pioneers & Legends Hall of Fame “Founder of the Year”, 1998 – 2004 World Karate Union Hall of Fame “Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts”, 1999 United Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame “Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts”, 2000 United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame “Founder of the Year”,     2001 Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame “Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts”,  2003 United States Martial Artists Assoc. Hall of Fame “Golden Life Achievement”, 2003 Masters Hall of Fame “Silver Life Achievement”, 2003 Int. Assoc. of Martial Arts Hall of Fame “Outstanding Practitioner”, 2004 Inducted in the “TaeKwonDo Times Magazine Hall of Fame for Hapkido”, 2004 Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame “Instructor of the Year”, 2005 Budo Int. Magazine Hall of Fame “Legend Grandmaster”, 2006 Aaron Banks’ World Professional M. A. Hall of Fame: “World Renowned Hapkido Grandmaster”,  2007 Artes Marciales Magazine Hall of Fame “Martial Arts Pioneer”,  2007 Cinturon Negro Magazine (Spain) International Hall of Fame “Distinguished Founder”,  2008 Inducted “Hall da Fama Das Artes Marciais Brasileiras”,  2014 TaeKwonDo Times Magazine Hall of Fame “U.S. Grandmaster of the Year”, 2017 WHFSC Martial Arts Hall of Fame “Pioneer Award”, 2019 “Who’s Who in the Martial Arts Legends Award” MAJOR MEDIA FEATURES March 1990 Cover feature “TaeKwonDo Times” Magazine, 1991 Featured on “ESPY-TV: World of Martial Arts”,  1992 “Who’s Who in the Martial Arts” – Karate International Magazine, April 1994 Cover feature “TaeKwonDo Times” Magazine,  June 1995 Cover feature “Martial Arts Business” Magazine,  October 1996 Cover feature “TaeKwonDo & Korean Combat Arts” Magazine (UK), July 1997 Cover feature “TaeKwonDo Times” Magazine,  June 1999 Cover feature “Martial Arts Professional” Magazine, October 1999 Article in the “Wall Street Journal”, September 2000 Cover feature “Artes Marciales” Magazine (Latin America),  June 2001 Cover feature “Martial Arts Business.com” Magazine, September 2002 Cover feature “TaeKwonDo Times” Magazine, June 2003 Cover feature “Black Belt” Magazine, Featured in the 2003 Edition of “Who’s Who in the Martial Arts” Book,  December 2004 Cover feature “Budo International” Magazine,  February 2005 Cover feature “Action Martial Arts” Magazine, April 2005 Cover feature “Mundo Marcial” Magazine (Latin America),   May 2005 Cover feature “Disciplinas” Magazine (Latin America), August 2006 Cover feature “Afghanistan Freedom Watch” Magazine, January 2009 Cover feature “Black Belt” Magazine,    September 2009 Cover feature “Budo International” Magazine, May 2012 Cover Feature TaeKwonDo Times Magazine,  July 2015 Cover feature “Budo International” Magazine. Federal Air Marshall Service –  NATO Forces Europe – US Army 10th Mountain Division – Costa Rica Police SWAT Team – Colombia Air Force Anti-Terrorist Unit – US Office of Naval Intelligence –  German Air Force & many other Police Depts. & Military Units around the World. https://www.dsihq.com/

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Martial Artist and Fitness Pro Linda Josefsson “Lady Viking”

Linda Josefsson was featured on the UCW Radio Show with Louis Velazquez to share her story, he is a little more about here and her journey to date. She is a 4 time national martial arts champion and acclaimed fitness trainer. “Many people aren’t aware of her accomplishments such as being a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do under famed martial arts Billy Blanks as well as being a part of the original Tae Bo series. She holds a degree in economics as well as in fashion design, knowledge that she has integrated into her current training programs. Learn more about Linda Josefsson aka the “Lady Viking” Having struggled with eating disorders throughout her childhood and teen age years Linda used fitness to heal and put herself through a complete body transformation from a chunky teenage girl to a lean figure competitor. At the age of 47 she’s in better shape than ever proving that with hard work and a no quitting attitude age is nothing but a number. Her experience, knowledge, training and hardcore approach has inspired many and given her clients the tools to succeed. Linda “Lady Viking” Josefsson has over 20 years of experience in the fitness industry. She’s also has a 3rd degree black belt in martial arts. Linda Josefsson is a native of Sweden. She studied Economics in college and has a degree in Fashion Design from Boras University in Sweden. Growing up Linda was competitive in several sports including track & field, horse back riding, soccer and cross country skiing. She later moved to France to pursue a career as a professional horse trainer in Western riding. In 1990 Linda moved to California as an exchange student and during this time she was introduced to 7-time World Karate Champion and Tae-Bo creator Billy Blanks. It was here she found her deep passion for martial arts and the place she would call “home” for the next 29 years. Linda was always a natural athlete and after only 2 years she received her black belt from Mr. Blanks. All the hard work and countless hours of training later resulted in 4 National Championships as well as a tournament win in amateur boxing. A shoulder injury prevented Linda from doing further competitive boxing but instead she’s been sharing her skills and knowledge teaching martial arts. Today Linda is a 3rd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and a very accomplished personal trainer, corporate trainer and group exercise instructor. She is also an NPC figure competitor.  She’s been teaching at several gyms in the Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley area and has devoted her life to helping people accomplish their fitness goals. www.ladyvikingfitness.com https://www.instagram.com/swedish_vikinglady/

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Singer, Actress and Fitness Trainer Dawn Derow

On this episode of the UCW Radio Show we are talking with Dawn Derow, a very talented singer who focuses on cabaret style music but is diverse and can cross over into rock, jazz and opera. She is also a fitness trainer, actress and writer. Learn more about her on the show. www.ucwradio.com More About Dawn Derow A New Yorker by way of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Dawn grew up in Eastham, MA and began pursuing her performing career in her childhood. She graduated from the Boston Conservatory with a Bachelor’s in Music: Vocal Performance & Opera Emphasis, achieving the second highest vocal score in her class. After graduation, Dawn performed in operas and musicals around the world, as well as a guest entertainer aboard international cruise ships, displaying an uncanny ability to transition from singing a Puccini aria to a jazzy torch song. Cabaret Awards & Performances In 2008, Dawn, having lived in New York City for several years, began to pursue a Cabaret career. Over the past 12 years, she has performed in prestigious venues, including the Weill Center at Carnegie Hall, Birdland Jazz Club, The Laurie Beechman Theater, Don’t Tell Mama, The Friars Club, the Bitter End, The Cutting Room, Carroll Place, and most recently The Green Room 42. Dawn used her songwriting and guitar abilities throughout her Cabaret performances, leading to high praise for her shows. Dawn soon after began reeling in the awards. Her CD Music 4 TWO with award-winning guitarist Sean Harkness earned her a 2014 nomination for “Best CD” from the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC). In 2015, Dawn won her first MAC award for her work in the duo show REVOLUTION with Kathleen France. In 2016, Dawn employed her formidable opera singing skills in her solo show LEGIT: A Classical Cabaret. She received a Bistro Award for “Outstanding Vocalist” for her performance. Two years later, Dawn won the 2018 MAC Award for “Best Female Vocalist” for her critically acclaimed show, My Ship: Songs from 1941. Her director, Jeff Harner, also won “Best Director” from the Bistro and MAC awards. Dawn will be releasing an album of her songs from MY SHIP: Songs from 1941 in the summer of 2021. Dawn’s most recent show, The House That Built Me, played to packed audiences at the Laurie Beechman Theater. Based on her love for her father’s vast record collection that Dawn grew up listening to, she weaves a story of how these songs inspired and helped her blossom into the multi-faceted performer she is today. The setlist includes classic pop hits and Broadway show tunes from legendary performers such as Judy Collins, Jacques Brel, Crosby Still Nash & Young, Rosemary Clooney, as well as contemporary artists P!nk and Miranda Lambert. The House That Built Me received rave reviews from the press, which you can read below. In the Fall of 2019, Dawn sang in the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s Cabaret Convention at Rose Hall at Lincoln Center. You can view Dawn’s performance of “White Cliffs of Dover” on her YouTube Channel. Dawn’s next solo cabaret production, Gypsy In My Soul: The Songs of Eydie Gorme, was delayed due to COVID-19. Stay tuned for updated performance dates coming soon. Dawn will be releasing her album of songs from My Ship: Songs from 1941 in the summer of 2021. Health and Fitness When Dawn isn’t performing, her main focus has been on her work in the area of health, fitness, and body healing. In 2013, Dawn launched her company Divine Body Balance. Her company helps clients using her expertise as a NASM-certified personal trainer, AFFA group fitness instructor, Yoga Alliance instructor, Thai Massage practitioner, mobility health coach, and as Rock Tape: Cupping, Kinesiology taping practitioner. Whether it’s through song or body work, Dawn’s mission is to connect with and heal the human mind, body, and soul. https://www.dawnderow.com/

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HGTV, DIY Star Jason Cameron

https://www.ucwradio.com/podcast/media/2020-11-17-UCWRadio_JasonCameron_111720.mp3 On this episode of the UCW Radio Show we had the opportunity to speak with HGTV and DIY star Jason Cameron, known for Man Caves, Desperate Landscapes and so much more. We talk about his fitness days, his background in construction, his mentoring of youth, his great relationship with his wife as well as Tony Siragusa, Charlie Sheen and Snoop Dogg and much more . make sure to follow him on social media @jcamerontv Jason Cameron is an American television presenter and actor most notable for his role on the TLC reality show, While You Were Out and is currently hosting Man Caves and Desperate Landscapes for the DIY Network. Some more about Jason Cameron Jason moved to New York City to pursue an acting career, he had his heart and mind set on it. He landed a few minor roles at that time from Sex and the City, The Guiding Light to All My Children. Being ambitious and not one to hold back he jumped right into print modeling in Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Maxim and GQ. While in pursuit of his dream, Jason was always drawn to carpentry and construction which started at a very young age. he worked as a construction worker after college to make ends meet. In 2003, he auditioned as an on-screen carpenter for the TLC renovation program, While You Were Out. He got the job and joined the cast in season two, staying on until the end of the show’s run in 2006. After the show’s end, Cameron became a licensed contractor and was approached by DIY Network to host their landscape makeover show Desperate Landscapes in 2007. Since then, he has also been hosting Man Caves and Project Xtreme for the network. On the health and fitness front Jason Cameron is a certified personal trainer, specializing in strength and conditioning. He has competed in numerous bodybuilding competitions and has worked as a fitness model, appearing in Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness and Muscle Media. He is currently a representative and the Fitness Expert for Men’s Fitness.    

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