Ruggedangel Productions

Numbers are everywhere. And if we study and pay attention to them, it’s quite possible they can help steer us onto the path we need to be in life. LaVerne Baker Hotep just so happens to be able to educate you on that matter.

Sibyls Shrine is a new artist residency program for Black women, womxn, trans women, and femmes who are mothers and identify as artists, creatives, and/or activists in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For these womxn, the challenges of parenting in combination with systemic racism and sexism often make the barriers to entry into the art world insurmountable.   The Sibyls Shrine residency program uplifts Black creative mothers with opportunities for skill-sharing, self-care, safe space, and financial support in an effort to further develop their craft and presence in the art world.

Jessica Gaynelle Moss is a recognized leader and an arts producer with over a decade of professional experience. In this episode, we specifically talk about her most recent projects, The Roll Up and Sibyl's Shrine.

If you are a fan of horror films, this will be a fun listen! Zena Dixon aka The Real Queen of Horror joins me to talk about DIY filmmaking, blogging and all things horror. 

You may know actress Keili Lefkovitz from the movies Pain and Gain or Malibu's Most Wanted. But soon, you will get to know her for so much more, because she refuses to stand by and wait for opportunities to come to her.

For over 30 years, Felicia has continued to joyfully practice Raja Yoga, which encompasses all aspects of her life: behavioral restraints, behavioral observances, movement, breathing techniques, sensory withdrawal, concentration, meditation, and self-realization through an intimate reflective practice. Personally, I like to think of Felicia a self care guru. I hope you can receive some healing light and inspiration from this conversation.

"Recognized as one of The Top Women Making Noise, Lauren Goshinski is a curator and event producer who works at the intersection of music, performance, digital art and the moving image". Lauren stops by to break all of this down as she describes carving out her own path, both literally and figuratively.   

Writer and Yoga Practitioner Heather Manning, a self proclaimed "Black Hillbilly", chats with me about finding herself, the benefits of growing up "wild" and emotional healing. 

Maya Henry joins me to talk about kicking fear in the teeth, finally making those life changes and why meal prep is so friggin daunting.

You know her as the materialistic Hilary Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.  Now it's time to get to know Karyn Parsons as an educator, author, filmmaker and woman looking to change the way African-American history is taught, through Sweet Blackberry Foundation.

This woman has been my teacher, cheerleader, mentor, caregiver, and most of all my friend. It's time for you all to learn who my mom is. Please give a listen as we get a just a peek into her life and accomplishments.

Listen to the story of how a scrappy "Steeltown girl" turned herself into the Pittsburgh Maven of the Arts.  Joy Sato joins me to talk about being one of the first of very few black arts administrators in Pittsburgh, her life at Motown, and doing the will of God.  

Co-owner of Black Forge Coffee, Ashley Bianca Corts, opens up about holistic healing, fighting back against sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace and the business of starting a business.

Mary Ann McBride came in to the studio to discuss her career in film and being a doula. But midway through our conversation, I found out that she has been a surrogate, more than once, so I had to ask all of the questions that I have ever wanted to ask a woman who could give so much of herself. 

Founder and VP of the Lincoln Lemington Neighborhood Revitalization Group came by to talk about her life of growing up "ghetto rich", improv acting, building community, revitalizing neighborhoods and so much more.

Jatolloa Davis is a midwife is here to talk all about catching babies and what it's like to be a part of such a spiritual and intimate moment in a family's life. 

Singer/Songwriter Jill Sobule, takes a break from workshopping her new one woman show #FThe7thGrade to talk to me about junior high crushes, surviving the music industry and the intimacy of house concerts.

It's my 100th episode! My husband thought a great way to celebrate would be for me to be interviewed on my own show. In this episode, I unveil my creative processes, awkward teen years and love for the people in my life. Ok...here we go!

Playwright/Songwriter/Experience Designer, Molly Rice and I discuss some female serial killers because Molly has written and produced a show called Angelmakers: Songs for Female Serial Killers.

The new case Shawn and Gus are working on, takes them to a comic convention. SO we share some of our favorite con stories.