Portraits

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts DJ Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Jenifer Lewis.<br />
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In 1987, Lewis was hired as the Pre-Show announcer on the Star Tours ride at Disneyland. In 1988, Lewis relocated to Los Angeles. In 1992, she was cast as one of the back-up singers to Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act. Goldberg sponsored several performances of The Diva Is Dismissed as a possible HBO series. In 1992 to 1993, she played Dean Davenport in the sixth and final season of A Different World. She also had a recurring role as Will Smith's Aunt Helen on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, as well as stints on a few episodes of In Living Color, reprising several of her characters from her nightclub act. Also in 1993, she played the mother of Tupac Shakur's character in Poetic Justice.<br />
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In 1993, she played the role of Tina Turner’s mother in the biopic What's Love Got to Do With It. In 1994, she followed with other supporting role

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Robert Richard.<br />
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Robert Ri'chard was born on January 7, 1983 in Los Angeles, California, USA as Robert Andrew Richard. He is an actor and producer, known for Coach Carter (2005), One on One (2001) and House of Wax (2005).

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Troy Byer.<br />
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Troy Byer began her career in show business at the ripe age of four as one of the original cast members on Sesame Street. Although Troy has worked most of her life as an actress (Dynasty, Murder One, The Cosby Show), writer (BAPS, Love Don't Cost A Thing, Soul Food) and director of major studio films she is also author of Amazon best seller, "Ex-Free: 9 Keys To Freedom After Heartbreak". After earning her Master's Degree in Depth Psychology with an emphasis in Liberal, Eco and Community Psychology, Troy has dedicated her life to working with and teaching individuals and communities how to heal from pain caused by heartbreak. She is also the founder of Heartbreak Recovery Centers (HRC) a national organization dedicated to hosting free daily, transformational meetings for heartbreak sufferers. Troy has appeared on numerous s

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Will Packer.<br />
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Producer Will Packer has established himself as one of Hollywood’s blockbuster hit makers with seven of his films opening number one at the box office. In 2014, he accomplished the rare feat of producing two films in the top six at the box office and became one of the only African-American producers to have seven films debut at number one during opening weekend. Packer’s number one films include No Good Deed (2014), Think Like A Man Too (2014), Ride Along (2014), Think Like A Man (2012), Takers (2010), Obsessed (2008) and Stomp The Yard (2007). His next film, The Wedding Ringer, starring Kevin Hart and Josh Gad, debuts in theaters January 16, 2015.

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live host Stacy Ike interviews special guest Rick Fox.<br />
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Born in Toronto, Rick Fox moved to the Bahamas when he was very young. His father is Afro-Bahamian, and his mother, who is Canadian, is of Italian and Scottish descent. Rick went to Warsaw Indiana high school as an exchange student and played basketball there. A complaint was filed about his eligibility and it was ruled one of his earlier years in the Bahamas was equivalent to a year of high school. As a result, he was banned from playing his senior year. To keep himself sharp and in playing shape, he still practiced with the team every day. Majored in radio, television, and motion picture sciences and played college basketball at UNC, where he left as the all-time school steals leader and games played leader. Upon graduating, he was selected 24th overall in the NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. After several seasons with the Celtics, he signed with the Los Angeles Lake

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, no new episodes this week.

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Wilson Cruz.<br />
Wilson Cruz, whose heritage is Puerto Rican, was born in New York City, the eldest of three brothers. Early on, his parents encouraged his interest in the theater. At age seven, Wilson began appearing in plays, among them<br />
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"Cradle of Fire," "Supporting Cast," "Becoming Memories," and "The Roar of the Greasepaint...," as well as in a number of Shakespearean productions on both coasts. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Wilson also performed across the country with Young Americans, and has been featured in shows seen at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Sea World/Orlando.<br />
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When the young actor was 10, he moved with his family to San Bernardino, California, where he grew up. A graduate of Eisenhower High School, he attended California State University at San Bernardino, where he was pursuing a double

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Keith Robinson.<br />
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Singer/songwriter/actor Keith Robinson (a.k.a. Black Keith) was born in Kentucky, where he discovered his love of the arts at a young age. Singing took center stage in high school in Augusta, Georgia, and he was signed to a contract while attending the University of Georgia. Robinson was picked up by Motown Records and went on to perform with several top artists.<br />
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To put his career in high gear, Robinson decided to make a transition and move out to Los Angeles to further his singing career and try his hand at his other love, acting. His very first audition landed him the role of Joel Rawlings, the Green Ranger on one of television's highest rated children's series, Fox's Power Rangers: Lightspeed Rescue. On the heels of Power Rangers came a lead role in the NBC television movie The Princess and the Marine

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart, and DJ Jesse Janedy interview special guest Omari Hardwick.<br />
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Born "Omari Latif Hardwick," he grew up in Decatur, Georgia. Hardwick's parents gave him a name to set a precedent, "Omari" meaning "most high," and "Latif" meaning "gentle." He shares, "I in no way believe that I am the highest or most high, but I feel like my name gives me something to strive for." Growing up, sports were Hardwick's world, but early on he knew he had a passion for the arts. By the age of 14, Hardwick was writing poetry on a regular basis, a passion he would carry with him into adulthood. In high school, he excelled at basketball, baseball, and football, and went on to play football at the University of Georgia. Although a star on the field, Hardwick never gave up his passion for acting, and minored in theatre in college. He shares, "I hugely attribute sports to my success in entertainment business.

BHL: Portraits -- In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Larenz Tate.<br />
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Larenz Tate stars as Dr. Alex , Rush’s (Tom Ellis, “Miranda”) best friend and a determined, high-ranking physician at one of Los Angeles’ top hospitals, in USA Network’s medical drama “Rush.”<br />
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Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, Tate is recognized as an actor, writer and activist-- recently adding producer and director to his list of accomplishments.<br />
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Tate is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking role in the cult classic “Menace II Society.” His feature film credits include “Inkwell,” “Dead Presidents,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Love Jones,” “A Man Apart,” “Waist Deep” and “Biker Boyz,” among others. Tate co-starred in the three-time Academy Award-winning film “Crash,” as well as the film “Ray” opposite Jamie Foxx and Kerry Washington.<br />
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His television credits include starring roles

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Nick Perdue and Megan Thomas interview special guest Terrence 'TC' Carson.<br />
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Born and raised in Chicago, T.C. was encouraged to follow his dreams to be a performer by his family since he was a young boy.<br />
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He began his career as a dancer and easily slid into performing in many plays and musicals such as "The Wiz," "Dreamgirls" and "Ain't Misbehavin." Carson also starred in the 90's comedy Living Large and is now part of the Star Wars universe as he has voiced the characters of Darth Vader and Mace Windu in animated series and video games.<br />
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Terrence is a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity and frequently moonlights as a jazz vocalist in several clubs. In 2002, he released his debut CD entitled, Truth<br />
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This interview was recorded on April 18th, 2014.

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy interview special guest Ernest Thomas.<br />
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Mr. Ernest L. Thomas, President and CEO of Ernest Thomas Media Group 8 and Bravokid Management has over 30 years of achievement in Theatre, Television and films.<br />
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Ernest is a graduate of the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. The Academy boasts over 75 Academy Award nominees or winners. Previous graduates include, Robert Redford, Danny DeVito, Kim Cattrall, the late Spencer Tracey, Cecil B. DeMille and an impressive list too numerous to mention. Ernest also has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana State University in sociology and Psychology. Mr. Thomas's other professional and business accomplishments are the following:<br />
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Recipient of the LEGEND AWARD at the Peachtree Film Festival in Atlanta August<br />
25th, 2013.<br />
Recipient of BEST PRODUCER AWARD of a Reality show for "Kid J

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Erica Hubbard.<br />
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Talented and gorgeous actress Erica Hubbard has been lighting up the big and small screens with her contagious and enticing smile for the past seven years. She can currently be seen as one of the leads of the popular first original scripted comedy series for the BET Network, "Let's Stay Together," produced by Queen Latifah and her Flavor Unit Entertainment production company. In the romantic comedy, Erica plays "Kita Whitmore," a fun loving, genuine, outspoken person who has a sense of humor and loves fashion! The fourth season premieres Tuesday, March 4th, 2014. <br />
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In addition to the show, Erica recently wrapped production with a strong supporting role in the upcoming indie film, My Favorite Five (TBD 2014), opposite Rochelle Aytes ("Mistresses") and Brian White (The Cabin in the Woods). You can currently catch her starring as 'Mita,' a gol

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy interview special guest Richard Brooks. <br />
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Richard Brooks is an actor/director/singer-songwriter, best known for his powerful portrayal of ADA Paul Robinette in the original cast of the long running "Law and Order" television series franchise. His extensive acting credits include numerous substantial roles on television, film and stage that have shown his versatility to shine through any genre.<br />
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His notable performances include the notorious bounty hunter in Joss Whedon's "Firefly," the iconic Henry McNeil in the SyFy/USA network cult favorite "Good vs. Evil" and pivotal guest appearances on "NCIS," "NYPD Blue," and "Lie to Me." <br />
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Along with his impressive resume of television credits Brooks has also lit up the big screen with his unforgettable characters in "The Crow: City of Angels," "To Sleep with Anger," and the critically acclaimed Vietnam War saga,

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy interview special guest Chavo Guerrero. <br />
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Chavo Guerrero is a 20-year third generation veteran of the professionalwrestling industry who first debuted back in 1994 after having been trained by legendary family members Chavo Guerrero Sr., Eddie Guerrero, Hector Guerrero and Mando Guerrero. He started his career working in both Mexico and Japan and had a stint with New Japan Pro Wrestling prior to signing with World Championship Wrestling in 1996. During his 5-years with WCW Guerrero would both feud and team with his real life uncle Eddie Guerrero. He would become a 2-Time WCW Cruiserweight Champion and former 1-Time WCW Tag-Team Champion before the company closed in 2001.<br />
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Guerrero's contract was one of 25 that were purchased by World Wrestling Entertainment in 2001 during the acquisition of WCW. He ended up spending a decade with the organization becoming one of the c

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Robinne Lee. Robinne Lee is the star of the new BET series "Being Mary Jane". She discusses working on the show and cast members. She also talks acting with Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Gabrielle Union and Don Cheadle. Robinne later tells her views on opportunities for African American actors in Hollywood, thoughts on "Selfies" and her love for photography and producing.<br />
This interview was recorded December 17th, 2013.

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Mel B. Melanie Brown has never been a shy one, which is evidenced by her vast and ever-expanding list of accomplishments. Best known as Mel B or “Scary Spice” of the Spice Girls, she can also add author, fashion leader, television personality, stage star, philanthropist, entrepreneur and mom to her list of ever expanding credits.<br />
From her early days growing up in Leeds, England, through her years in one of the most defining pop groups of this generation, and through such ventures as becoming a fan favorite on “Dancing With the Stars” in 2007, Mel B has earned her place in the entertainment lexicon. Doing the show earned her a vast and new American fan base with her cool, self-confident dancing style, finishing second in the contest. Mel B is always striving to do something different and always doing with a style that’s all her own.<br />
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Currently, Me

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Taimak. Taimak grew up in New York City till he was seven years old. Coming from an interracial background (African American and Italian) his parents chose to move his brother and two sisters to Europe. That’s where he got his first taste of the entertainment business. At 11 years old, he had the privilege to meet legendary director and family friend Federico Fellini.<br />
Mr. Fellini took him on a tour of the set of “Roma” where he also met another film legend Vincent Minnelli. Taimak and his family eventually moved back to New York City where he delved deeper into martial arts training.<br />
He won the New York State kickboxing championship and the very next year he was cast by music mogul and Motown legend Berry Gordy to play the lead role in the cult classic film “The Last Dragon”. He was Bruce Leroy, the Bruce Lee wannabe in search of “The Glow”.<br />
Taim

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Bill Duke. Bill Duke recently received a Lifetime Achievement Tribute from the Directors Guild of America, as he joined the ranks of directors Stephen Spielberg, Alfred Hitchcock, and Clint Eastwood.<br />
What makes Bill Duke stand out from these other directors is the fact that he is a director who like Michael Shultz and Gordon Parks paved the way for African Americans in cinema beginning in the early 1970's.<br />
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He is the founder and CEO of Duke Media, formerly Yagya Productions, which has been successfully producing film and television for over 30 years. Bill Duke formally served on the Board of Trustees of the American Film Institute and was appointed to the California State Film Commission Board by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.<br />
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Bill Duke served as the Time Warner Endowed Chair of the Department of Radio Television and Film at

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Tommy 'Tiny' Lister. Tommy “Tiny” Lister is a highly recognizable actor, having worked in over 171 films in a 29-year span, with renowned directors such as Quentin Tarantino, John Singleton, Christopher Nolan, Hal Ashby, Roland Emmerich, F. Gary Gray, Renny Harlin, and Luc Besson. He joined Johnny Depp and Marlon Brando in the quirky Don Juan DeMarco, starred with Jon Voight in Runaway Train, and played the first black President in Luc Besson's sci-fi film The Fifth Element opposite Bruce Willis. Tiny is probably best known for his role as neighborhood bully “Deebo” opposite Chris Tucker and Ice Cube in the hit comedy Friday and reprising the role in the successful sequel Next Friday. Next year, New Line plans to make the fourth film, Last Friday. Tiny can next be seen in the horror cult classic The Human Centipede III, starring opposite Eric Roberts.<br />
In add

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Tahj Mowry. Tahj Mowry, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, is commonly known for playing the young prodigy on the Disney sitcom, Smart Guy. Tahj Mowry was born to Darlene Flowers, who eventually ended up managing the siblings early-career, and Timothy Mowry a police officer and a veteran of the war. Tahj Mowry made his acting debut at the age of four, in 1990 on the television series, Who's The Boss as a one-time guest star character,Greg. After that followed several other roles on memorable television sitcoms like Where I Live,Out All Night,Aladdin,Sonic The Hedge Hog, and his most memorable role in 1990 as Teddy on the hit-sitcom, Full House. Tahj Mowry had accomplished all these reprising guest and recurring roles before even reaching the age of ten! In 1994 Mowry joined his twin sisters, Tia and Tamera Mowry on their ABC hit-sitcom, Sister,Sister as the role of Co

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Courtney Stewart and Jesse Janedy and interview special guest Cherie Johnson. Cherie Johnson (born November 21, 1975 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania USA), is an American actress, author, columnist, executive producer, producer, and writer. She is of African American and Puerto Rican descent. Johnson first rose to fame at age six when she appeared on Punky Brewster as the fictional character Cherie and the show aired from 1984-1988 in first-run syndication on NBC (National Broadcasting Corporation). Punky Brewster later expanded into a cartoon series titled It's Punky Brewster, which she contributed her voice for Little Cherie and it aired from 1985-1987 on NBC.<br />
One of her most recognized acting roles is in Family Matters where she co-starred as the character Maxine and the show aired from 1989-1997 on ABC (American Broadcasting Corporation) and on CBS (ColumbiaBroadcasting System) from 1997-1998. With 215 episodes, Family Matters is the thi

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Ruben Santiago Hudson. Ruben Santiago-Hudson is not only a Tony and Obie award-winning actor, but also an accomplished writer and director. He recently received the 2013 Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards for Best Direction of August Wilsons The Piano Lesson. Ruben stars in AMC’s gritty crime drama Low Winter Sun which films in Detroit and debuts on Sunday, August 11. Low Winter Sun about dark anitheros, boasts a stellar ensemble castwhich includes Mark Strong and is based on a 2006 British mini-series.<br />
Ruben starred on Broadway in Lydia Diamond’s play Stick Fly. Santiago-Hudson co-starred for three seasons as NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery on the hit ABC series, Castle. His screenplay debut Lackawanna Blues for HBO, received the Humanitas Prize, a Christopher Award, National Board of Review Honors, a NAACP Image Award; and Emmy, Golden Globe and WGA nominations. Under

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Tim Story. Timothy Kevin Story was born on March 13, 1970 in Los Angeles, California. He began directing at the age of 12, making silent films with an 8mm camera he inherited from his older brother. His career aspirations expanded when he began producing talent shows at Westchester High School in Los Angeles. Tim was also voted student body president his senior year, enjoying his education there along with classmates like jazz pianist Eric Reed and actresses Regina King and Nia Long.<br />
While still in high school, Tim briefly flirted with the music industry as a rapper. He even performed with Ice T’s Rhyme Syndicate. However, just before signing a record deal with Warner Bros., Tim chose to no longer pursue performing, after learning his close friend and fellow performer had been fatally shot.<br />
Tim continued his career path at USC. He honed his storytelling sk

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Quddus, a TV personality best known from his days as the host of MTV's Total Request Live and ABC's singing competition show Duets. Quddus' professional career in broadcasting began in 2000 as a host and co-writer of VOX, a groundbreaking youth culture show on TV Ontario which went on to win a Gemini Award (Canada's version of the Emmy®). This led to his big break - hosting Total Request Live on MTV. As host of MTV's biggest show, Quddus conducted daily interviews with stars such as Will Smith, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Jake Gyllenhaal, Alicia Keys, Ben Affleck and Denzel Washington, and his work on Total Request Live led to both Usher and Britney Spears requesting him to host their Showtime concert specials. Quddus won a 2003 Favorite TV Personality nomination at the Teen Choice Awards. In 2005, TV Guide named him one of TV's Hottest New Stars, USA Today featured him as a "you

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Joyful Drake. Joyful Drake was born in Milwaukee, WI, the second older girl. As a child, she exhibited a desire to pursue modeling and acting and possessed a quick wit. She is a former dancer for the Milwaukee Bucks Energie Dance team. She has had roles in Hair Show with Mo'nique as well as guest staring roles in such shows as "The Game" and "Cuts". She currently stars in BET's Let's Stay Together Series. This interview was recorded March 29th, 2013.

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Alia Kruz, Jesse Janedy and Courtney Stewart interview special guest Boris Kodjoe, from such films as Resident Evil: Retribution, Resident Evil: Afterlife, Surrogates and Brown Sugar. In this interview Boris talks in depth about growing up in Germany during the time of the Berlin Wall, moving to the United States, how he got into modeling, his wife, Nicole Ari Parker, and family. Boris also discusses his role in the hit BET series, Real House Husbands of Hollywood. This interview was recorded March 19th, 2013.

In this episode, Black Hollywood Live hosts Derrial Christon, Alia Kruz, and Jesse Janedy interview special guest Damien Dante Wayans, from the second generation of the Wayans family. In this interview Damien talks in depth about "In Living Color", "Major Payne", "Dance Flick", "2nd Generations Wayans", what it's like to be part of the Wayans family, his upbringing, and his personal relationships as well as meeting Oprah. He also answers Alia's "none your business" questions. This interview was recorded March 1st, 2013.