​Behind-the-theme of my first radio show broadcast.
​And you know me, I love packing in a bunch of references and recommendations to get you inspired. Including a Louis Vuitton runway show, Wizard of Oz messages, a rockstar memoir, RuPaul’s life advice and defining your own yellow brick road.

My first radio episode, Yellow Brick Road, is my FAVORITE episode. You know why?
Because I created it well before I was approached to host a radio show.
Back in 2021, Electric Radio Club was a budding idea for a podcast that derived from personal playlists.
Coming out of the pandemic, I created this episode to give myself a pep talk and added some good music to go along with it.
Listen to the episode track list as you read along.

​​​It’ll get you excited for the first radio episode of Electric Radio Club which was broadcasted LIVE on ElectroMagnetic Radio.
​Right at the start of the show, I had some troubleshooting issues which I have no problem talking about.

If you couldn’t guess from the title, the episode inspired by the movie, The Wizard of Oz.
I talk about new journeys, paying attention to who you are and the people who help you along the way.
Having a radio show is one of the many yellow bricks on my creative path.
Like the drag queen and fashion icon, RuPaul, I think there are many moments in the story of the Wizard of Oz that relate to life. I infuse these ideas throughout the episode.

Don’t Hide
If there is anything I’ve learned on my “yellow brick road” as an artist, it’s that making art is fun but confidently telling the world who you are is the most difficult task.
In the movie, the Great and Powerful Oz says to Dorothy and the gang, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”
For years, I did just that.
I hid my confidence behind a metaphorical curtain of black attire, moto boots and lots of accessories. (okay I still wear some of those things.)
I know I’m a great artist but I didn’t call myself an artist.
I started to pay attention to how I can best show up as that artist and not hide behind title of my day job.
Can you relate?

​Trust Your Gut
In my opinion, I think Dorothy’s dog, Toto, is really a symbol of her conscience.
A dog knows when something just isn’t right. I’ve learned to trust my inner Toto.
There were times where I have ignored the “barking dog of my mind and heart.” I knew I should have gone down Road H but headed down Avenue W instead.
But the thing is, if you get off track, that’s where the unlikeliest of characters come along to provide a little nudge in the right direction.

​Get By With A Little Help From ………
I think about all the people I’ve met (or haven’t met yet) who have helped me along my creative journey.
Whether that be a bit of advice from a colleague or a random conversation with a stranger, I realize that sincere guidance comes from the most unexpected places.
I consider these people the Scarecrows, the Tin Mans, the Lions and the Good witches of life who offer kind suggestions and words of encouragement.
In Chrissie Hynde’s memoir, Reckless: My Life as a Pretender, she talks about the constant roadblocks of trying to be in a band.
Her friend, heavy metal legend, Lemmy Klimister, encouraged her to check out a drummer for her future band. Even though, the audition didn’t work out, some people are always looking out for your best interest. (I could consider him as the Scarecrow figure)
Chrissie Hynde’s road to rock n’ roll was not an easy one but she didn’t give up on her dream.
If you are looking for a page turner of a rock memoir about going after what you want with rockstar cameos galore, then this is for you. Bonus: The audiobook is narrated by Patricia Arquette.

​As I curated the episode playlist, I had to include the song, In A Big Country, because these lyrics are so fitting when those moments of rejection or confusion occur in life.

​Music and Talk
I became curious about audio editing and recording for the fun of it and started recording episodes. I uploaded to a feature on Spotify called Music and Talk (which no longer exists.)
Stumped on where to take my “music podcast”, I abandoned it.
I left it out in the open on the Spotify platform. Knowing deep down, I wanted to take the show somewhere over the rainbow.
And then a little radio station came along and said, “Keep Going.”
You never know who might show up and help you on your way to your own Emerald City.
These lyrics from the episode playlist I thought were particularly fitting for anyone who keeps trying.

​​Someday You’ll Find It
I’m gonna end with Virgil Abloh’s Louis Vuitton 2019 Spring -Summer fashion show based on Wizard of Oz.
There’s a silver jacket/cape design that has the quote from Oz, “Pay No Attention to Man Behind the Curtain.”
He was true visionary designer. He started out as an architect, then became Kanye West’s creative director and then went on to become Louis Vuitton’s lead designer for menswear.
For years, Vigil Abloh silently battled with a rare form of cancer and passed away in 2021.
I get teary watching this, particularly at the end when Virgil steps out on the runway.
It’s like Virgil Abloh made it to the Emerald City. He is not hiding behind the curtain, he is showing you what is possible.

​I hope episodes of Electric Radio Club inspire you too!
​I’ve put together a “Best Of” episode list while I “take a break” from recording new episodes. Including the Yellow Brick Road episode, obviously.

More Good Stuff
Music: So Far So Good by Meernaa
I caught this artist open for the band, Deep Sea Diver, this past summer. She played an acoustic set and I remember her introducing her next song saying, “This one is really good with a full band.”
She also politely asked the crowd to buy her merch so she didn’t have to haul it home after the tour.
After the show, I stopped at the merch booth and picked up the last copy of the album.
It’s great for those not-leaving-the-house kinda days (and it includes a full band)
​
Like Meernaa, this is my ask to subscribe and support my work:)

​Movie/TV: Black Rabbit
I was hesitant to watch this series. Purely because I don’t feel like watching anything with an incredibly stressful plotline especially one that’s based on real life events.
I binged away.
There are moments that are filmed so artistically with appealing angles where it makes you feel part of the scene. Something I don’t see often in TV Series.
And just give the actor, Troy Kotsur, a best performance award now already!
If you are looking for a good series to watch and not just have on in the background, this is worth your time.

​Misc: Letters Live
I absolutely love this series of celebrities reading letters from everyday people. This one with actor/comedian, Matt Berry, had me rollin’ with laughter. Who couldn’t use a good laugh right now?

​​I consider you part of my Wizard of Oz crew, supporting me down my yellow brick road. Thanks for your support!
Stay inspired and keep rockin’ and rollin,