On the Couch with Audrey J: Recent Episodes

Audrey J

This show takes a deep look into the legacy of Prince Rogers Nelson. His influence on the people that worked with him, supporters of his music, as well as other artists. We will attempt to thread the needle to get a better picture of his profound impact not just in music but on education, business, philanthropy, and humanities.

View Details

Sonya, an acclaimed costume designer, has a distinguished career marked by collaborations with renowned theaters such as the Guthrie Theatre, the Jungle Theatre, South Coast Repertory, and Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Holding degrees from both La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Sonya's expertise is a fusion of European finesse and American innovation. Her journey includes a stint as a textile designer for the esteemed fashion icon Yohji Yamamoto. Notably, Sonya attributes a significant portion of her achievements to her formative experience on the iconic film, Purple Rain.

View Details

In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Andrea Swensson, a seasoned music journalist and host of the Official Prince Podcast. Join us as Andrea takes us on a journey through the dynamic music scene of the Twin Cities, sharing her unique experiences and shedding light on the vibrant tapestry of sounds that define the region.

At the heart of our conversation is Andrea's intimate connection with Prince, an artist whose impact reverberates far beyond the boundaries of Minneapolis. Andrea delves into her personal journey covering the enigmatic musician's career and how Prince's artistry left an indelible mark on her life.

Discover how the local music scene has shaped Andrea's storytelling and why she believes it plays a crucial role in the broader cultural narrative.

View Details

In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Andrea Swensson, a seasoned music journalist and host of the Official Prince Podcast. Join us as Andrea takes us on a journey through the dynamic music scene of the Twin Cities, sharing her unique experiences and shedding light on the vibrant tapestry of sounds that define the region.

At the heart of our conversation is Andrea's intimate connection with Prince, an artist whose impact reverberates far beyond the boundaries of Minneapolis. Andrea delves into her personal journey covering the enigmatic musician's career and how Prince's artistry left an indelible mark on her life.

Discover how the local music scene has shaped Andrea's storytelling and why she believes it plays a crucial role in the broader cultural narrative.

View Details

Mayte Garcia, dancer, actress, philanthropist, and entrepreneur discusses the change and plans for the love4oneanother foundation, her aspirations for the future, and how Prince is still inspiring her today.

View Details

Cassandra O'Neal is a musical director, keyboardist, and educator. She shares her musical experiences, the challenges of being a woman in the business, and how Prince changed her life.

View Details

Cassandra O'Neal is a musical director, keyboardist, and educator. She shares her musical experiences, the challenges of being a woman in the business, and how Prince changed her life.

View Details

Cassandra O'Neal is a musical director, keyboardist, and educator. She shares her musical experiences, the challenges of being a woman in the business, and how Prince changed her life.

View Details

Celebration 2023 was held June 8-11 at Paisley Park. Joining me to discuss their experiences and impressions are Marilynn McNair, Rosa Arreguin and Kevin Davis.

View Details

Michael Bland is a powerful drummer with an unmistakable sound. He was Prince's drummer for 7 consecutive years as the drummer in the New Power Generation. He continued to work with Prince on other projects including RaveUn2 the Joy Fantastic, 3121, Plant Earth, and Lotus Flower. He has worked and toured with Chaka Khan, Maxwell, Paul Westerberg, George Benson, the Jonas Brothers, and many others. He is currently the drummer for Minneapolis-based rock band Soul Asylum and the musical director and founder of Urban Classic. Michael speaks with us about discovery and having a sense of adventure as an artist and why it is hard for him to listen to Prince records he played on.

View Details

Michael Bland is a powerful drummer with an unmistakable sound. He was Prince's drummer for 7 consecutive years as the drummer in the New Power Generation. He continued to work with Prince on other projects including RaveUn2 the Joy Fantastic, 3121, Plant Earth, and Lotus Flower. He has worked and toured with Chaka Khan, Maxwell, Paul Westerberg, George Benson, the Jonas Brothers, and many others. He is currently the drummer for Minneapolis-based rock band Soul Asylum and the musical director and founder of Urban Classic. Michael speaks with us about discovery and having a sense of adventure as an artist and why it is hard for him to listen to Prince records he played on.

View Details

Michael Bland is a powerful drummer with an unmistakable sound. He was Prince's drummer for 7 consecutive years as the drummer in the New Power Generation. He continued to work with Prince on other projects including RaveUn2 the Joy Fantastic, 3121, Plant Earth, and Lotus Flower. He has worked and toured with Chaka Khan, Maxwell, Paul Westerberg, George Benson, the Jonas Brothers, and many others. He is currently the drummer for Minneapolis-based rock band Soul Asylum and the musical director and founder of Urban Classic. Michael speaks with us about discovery and having a sense of adventure as an artist and why it is hard for him to listen to Prince records he played on.

View Details

Michael Bland is a powerful drummer with an unmistakable sound. He was Prince's drummer for 7 consecutive years as the drummer in the New Power Generation. He continued to work with Prince on other projects including RaveUn2 the Joy Fantastic, 3121, Plant Earth, and Lotus Flower. He has worked and toured with Chaka Khan, Maxwell, Paul Westerberg, George Benson, the Jonas Brothers, and many others. He is currently the drummer for Minneapolis-based rock band Soul Asylum and the musical director and founder of Urban Classic. Michael speaks with us about discovery and having a sense of adventure as an artist and why it is hard for him to listen to Prince records he played on.

View Details

Michael Bland is a powerful drummer with an unmistakable sound. He was Prince's drummer for 7 consecutive years as the drummer in the New Power Generation. He continued to work with Prince on other projects including RaveUn2 the Joy Fantastic, 3121, Plant Earth, and Lotus Flower. He has worked and toured with Chaka Khan, Maxwell, Paul Westerberg, George Benson, the Jonas Brothers, and many others. He is currently the drummer for Minneapolis-based rock band Soul Asylum and the musical director and founder of Urban Classic. Michael speaks with us about discovery and having a sense of adventure as an artist and why it is hard for him to listen to Prince records he played on.

View Details

In this episode, we sit down with BrownMark, legendary bassist of The Revolution, to discuss his musical journey, leaving the industry for 20 years, his bands, and the impact of Prince's legacy.

View Details

Craig Rice has had a distinguished career in film, music, and education His work earned him several Emmy and NAACP image award nominations. He directed a plethora music videos for Prince, Ingrid Chavez, Eric Leeds, and others and managed several artists including Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston. He talks to us about Prince's legacy and how what he learned influenced his storied career.

View Details

Craig Rice has had a distinguished career in film, music, and education His work earned him several Emmy and NAACP image award nominations. He directed a plethora music videos for Prince, Ingrid Chavez, Eric Leeds, and others and managed several artists including Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston. He talks to us about Prince's legacy and how what he learned influenced his storied career.

View Details

Part II of my conversation with two Prince podcasters, Christy Norman and Michael Dean to discuss Prince's legacy and the responsibility of talking about this vanguard artist.

View Details

I am joined with two Prince podcasters, Christy Norman and Michael Dean to discuss Prince's legacy and the responsibility of talking about this vanguard artist.

View Details

Part 3 and the final episode of my conversation with Jacqui Thompson, Lisa Chamblee, and Ruth Arzate

View Details

Part II - In this episode, we are joined on the couch by Jacqui Thompson, PRN Alumni President and former President of NPG Records; Ruth Arzate, Prince's Former Manager, and Operations Director; and Lisa Chamblee, Recording Engineer, and Producer. These ladies share the challenges and successes they had while working with the icon and how Prince's legacy is affecting them today.

View Details

In this episode, we are joined on the couch by Jacqui Thompson, PRN Alumni President and former President of NPG Records; Ruth Arzate, Prince's Former Manager, and Operations Director; and Lisa Chamblee, Recording Engineer, and Producer. These ladies share the challenges and successes they had while working with the icon and how Prince's legacy is affecting them today.