• Vincent Paterson: Choreographing Icons, Shaping Pop History S2Ep12 (PART TWO)
    Apr 16 2026

    Here is PART TWO of my sit down with Vincent Paterson.

    In this episode, we sit down with Vincent Paterson, one of the most influential yet often unseen architects of modern pop performance. From redefining how movement meets camera to shaping the visual language of iconic artists and eras, Vincent reflects on a career built on innovation, intuition, and deep artistic trust. A centerpiece of the conversation is his groundbreaking work on "Smooth Criminal" with Michael Jackson a collaboration that fundamentally changed how choreography, narrative, and cinematography coexist on screen.

    Vincent unpacks the creative process behind one of the most analyzed performances in pop history, including the precision, experimentation, and risk required to make movement feel cinematic, dangerous, and timeless.

    This conversation goes beyond credits and choreography. Vincent speaks candidly about authorship, collaboration, and what it means to create work that outlives trends. We explore the tension between visibility and legacy, the emotional labor behind iconic moments, and how choreography functions not just as movement, but as direction, storytelling, and cultural authorship.

    With rare honesty, Vincent also reflects on power dynamics in the industry, creative ownership, and how dancers and choreographers have historically navigated systems that celebrate the final image while obscuring the makers behind it.

    For artists, creatives, and anyone curious about how pop culture is truly constructed, this episode offers both a masterclass and a meditation on what it means to leave a mark—sometimes without standing in the spotlight.

    This is a conversation about movement, memory, and the long arc of creative legacy.

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    29 mins
  • Vincent Paterson: Choreographing Icons, Shaping Pop History S2Ep12 (PART ONE)
    Apr 9 2026

    In this episode, we sit down with Vincent Paterson, one of the most influential yet often unseen architects of modern pop performance. From redefining how movement meets camera to shaping the visual language of iconic artists and eras, Vincent reflects on a career built on innovation, intuition, and deep artistic trust. A centerpiece of the conversation is his groundbreaking work on "Smooth Criminal" with Michael Jackson a collaboration that fundamentally changed how choreography, narrative, and cinematography coexist on screen. Vincent unpacks the creative process behind one of the most analyzed performances in pop history, including the precision, experimentation, and risk required to make movement feel cinematic, dangerous, and timeless. This conversation goes beyond credits and choreography. Vincent speaks candidly about authorship, collaboration, and what it means to create work that outlives trends. We explore the tension between visibility and legacy, the emotional labor behind iconic moments, and how choreography functions not just as movement, but as direction, storytelling, and cultural authorship. With rare honesty, Vincent also reflects on power dynamics in the industry, creative ownership, and how dancers and choreographers have historically navigated systems that celebrate the final image while obscuring the makers behind it.

    For artists, creatives, and anyone curious about how pop culture is truly constructed, this episode offers both a masterclass and a meditation on what it means to leave a mark—sometimes without standing in the spotlight.

    This is a conversation about movement, memory, and the long arc of creative legacy.

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    57 mins
  • From Cuba to the Mic: Mellow Man Ace on Pioneering Latin Hip Hop & the importance of Afro-Latinoism S2E11
    Feb 26 2026

    In this powerful conversation, Mellow Man Ace takes us from his early roots as a Cuban immigrant to becoming one of the first artists to carve out space for Latin voices in hip hop. Long before Latin hip hop had industry support or even a clear label, he was blending English and Spanish, street reality and romance, Afro-Caribbean rhythm and West Coast rap, creating a sound the mainstream didn’t yet know how to receive.

    We talk about what it meant to be Afro-Latino in a genre still defining itself, and why Afro-Latinoism isn’t a trend but a lived history one shaped by migration, erasure, resilience, and pride. Mellow Man Ace reflects on navigating identity in an industry that often wanted him to choose one box, the cultural pushback he faced, and the quiet ways his work opened doors for future generations of Latin and Afro-Latin artists.

    This episode is about more than music. It’s about authorship, visibility, and the right to exist fully, Black, Brown, bilingual, and unapologetic, within hip hop culture.

    From Cuba to South Gate Los Angeles, from the margins to the mic, this is a conversation about legacy, truth, and reclaiming narrative in a genre built on voice.

    Mellow Man on IG: / mellow_man_ace

    Krooked Treez / krookedtreezofficial

    Race Of Your Own : / raceofyourown

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    47 mins
  • Jared Pascoe: Protecting Actors in the AI Era S2E8
    Dec 11 2025

    In this episode, Talent Agent & Agency Owner Jared Pascoe breaks down what every actor and performer needs to know as AI rapidly transforms the entertainment industry. From digital doubles to voice cloning, Jared reveals the hidden risks, the protections performers must demand, and why human talent still matters more than ever. If you’re an actor, creator, or anyone navigating the future of tv & film, this conversation is your wake-up call. *Highlights:

    • The biggest threats AI poses to performers
    • How actors can protect their likeness, voice & identity
    • Why the human element will never be replaced

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful insights and industry conversations.

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    31 mins
  • Niecey "Vinrelo" Josey Embracing creativity & raising the bar to always be better S2E7
    Nov 25 2025

    Niecey 'Vinrelo' Josey is a powerhouse commercial celebrity stylist and brand strategist. Behind the scenes Vinrelo is building, one of the fastest-growing ecosystems in fashion, business, and media. From styling celebrities and high-impact professionals to curating and capturing full brand collections, she now leads her own original campaigns while continuing to shape the visual language of the culture. While shifting access, she shows up in the rooms that matter, asks the questions others won’t, and continues to carve out real opportunities for long-term success in an ever-changing industries.

    Vinrelo IG : / vinrelo

    Protect Your HeART (Artist) / protectyoheart

    Kayak - (Kayak Balance experience) / imkingkayak

    Big Mouth Toothbrush https://bigmouthtoothbrush.com

    A Race of your Own IG : /@raceofyourown TT: / @raceofyourown

    Website: http://www.raceofyourown.com

    Don't forget to subscribe. Thank you for tuning in.

    Listen also on: Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3yohilgy0h1uysmd72knaz

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/race-of-your-own/id1773612135

    Subscribe to our Substack: https://raceofyourown.substack.com/

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    39 mins
  • De República Dominicana a Alcaldía Brian DePeña Dominican Mayor on Faith & Building Community S2E6
    Nov 12 2025

    De la República Dominicana a la Alcaldía: Mayor Brian DePeña : The Dominican Mayor on Faith, Family & Building Community Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, he immigrated to the United States to pursue new opportunities. He first settled in New York, and later to Massachusetts, bringing a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to build a better future for his family. Soon after arriving, he founded the first Latino-owned hardware store in his neighborhood and alongside his father, he established a successful business that provided the community with essential tools and materials while offering a welcoming space where residents could interact in their native language. Through these interactions, he became increasingly aware of the challenges facing residents and small business owners, inspiring his advocacy for economic growth and social equity. His passion for community development led him to actively participate in some civic organizations dedicated to advancing opportunities for Latinos. He became engaged in local politics in the early 1990s, working on campaigns to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. In 2015, driven by his unwavering commitment to public service, he launched his campaign for City Councilor At-Large. Elected for two terms, he earned widespread recognition and support, often referred to as “The Most Loved Councilor,” “The Most Voted-for Councilor,” and “The Councilor of the City, Mr. Brian DePeña.” During his tenure on the City Council, Mayor DePeña served on the Finance and Personnel Committees, gaining invaluable insight into municipal operations, fiscal management, and strategic governance. His experience on the Finance Committee gave him a comprehensive understanding of budgeting processes, allowing him to explore alternatives to tax increases while ensuring financial stability. As a member of the Personnel Committee, he emphasized teamwork and effective leadership to advance the city’s long-term vision. Mayor DePeña is dedicated to building a prosperous future for Lawrence. He is happily married and has seven children and five grandchildren. His dedication to his family mirrors his commitment to the residents of Lawrence as he continues working to create a city that all its residents deserve.

    A Race of your Own Series IG : /@raceofyourown

    TT: / @raceofyourown Website: http://www.raceofyourown.com

    Don't forget to subscribe.

    Thank you for tuning in. Listen also on:

    Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3yohilgy0h1uysmd72knaz

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/race-of-your-own/id1773612135

    Subscribe to our Substack: https://raceofyourown.substack.com/

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    36 mins
  • First Dominican as NYC Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar S2E5
    Oct 28 2025

    This is a powerful and revealing conversation with Ana Almanzar, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives of New York City. In this episode, Ana opens up about her personal journey, her deep commitment to equity and community, and her work bridging government, nonprofit, and philanthropic efforts to uplift New Yorkers. She currently oversees interagency efforts in education, equity, youth development, food policy, nonprofit engagement, data innovation, and more. Her immigrant story: from Santo Domingo to NYC, and navigating life in NYC as a young Latina How she first got involved in civic engagement, grassroots organizing, and policy Her roles in government and nonprofits before joining City Hall How she envisions “race of your own” by owning identity, representation, and power in public service The challenges and opportunities of leading citywide cross-sector initiatives What’s next for New York and for her own leadership Some of her prior work: - Director of Community Relations, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation. She led external relations strategy, community partnerships, and government collaboration - Chief of Staff to New York State Director of Nonprofits. Ana managed a $25 million poverty reduction initiative, media campaigns, public outreach across regions - Program Manager, Civic Engagement (NE Region), NALEO (National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials). She led grassroots outreach, citizenship support, stakeholder engagement - Education: Associate degree from Hostos Community College (CUNY), Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Columbia University This episode is for anyone interested in the intersections of race, leadership, urban governance, and community power. Ana’s story is not just about personal resilience but about systems, partnerships, and reimagining possibilities for equity in one of the world’s most complex cities. Subscribe to "Race of Your Own" and hit the bell icon so you don’t miss future episodes.

    Share your thoughts! What part of Ana’s journey resonated with you most?

    A Race of your Own Series IG : /@raceofyourown TT: / @raceofyourown

    Website: http://www.raceofyourown.com

    Don't forget to subscribe.

    Thank you for tuning in.

    Listen also on: Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3yohilgy0h1uysmd72knaz

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/race-of-your-own/id1773612135

    Subscribe to our Substack: https://raceofyourown.substack.com/

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    38 mins
  • Executive Producer & Storyteller Flavio Morales S2E4
    Oct 15 2025

    Flavio Morales, is an experienced programming executive and producer. He's served as an executive producer on shows for Vix, Amazon, Netflix and Telemundo. Flavio started at the age of 17 co-creating the public access variety show “ILLEGAL interns” where the show championed local bands, artists from Latino LA as well as leading in the exposure of Latin alternative music in the 1990’s. Morales was EVP at BIG VIDA Entertainment, where he oversaw production of the NCLR ALMA Awards, along with Eva Longoria and produced the Gerardo Ortiz concert film Como Un Sueño. Previously, Morales was a top programming executive at NBCUniversal's Telemundo's cable network mun2, where he developed the network's series I Love Jenni. In 2006, Morales won a Peabody Award for his work on the documentary, "For My Country? Latinos in the Military.” Morales worked at Endemol Shine for 7 years and is still attached as Executive producer on HBO Max’s series Like Water for Chocolate alongside Salma Hayek. He’s also worked with Robert Rodriguez, Nicky Jam, Eugenio Derbez and Kate del Castillo to name a few. He also sits on the board of NPR station KCRW Santa Monica and the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory.

    Info: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2721956/

    A Race of your Own Series IG : /@raceofyourown TT: / @raceofyourown

    Website: http://www.raceofyourown.com Don't forget to subscribe. Thank you for tuning in.

    Listen also on: Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3yohilgy0h1uysmd72knaz

    Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/race-of-your...

    Subscribe to our Substack: raceofyourown.substack.com/publish/post/17...

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    50 mins