Checking in with Dr. B.

May 21 2024

Checking in with Dr. B. Podcast artwork

Dr. B., also known as Dr. Dawn K. Batson, interviews past students and other professionals as they find and keep their joy while navigating life and career challenges and successes. Dr. B. is a creative professional with over 20 years of experience in multicultural education and arts administration. She utilizes music and the arts with emphasis on the steel pan (the steel drum in the United States) as a medium for cross-cultural outreach. As the Executive Director of Keep Your Joy and Rise, LLC, she conducts training sessions in personal empowerment, team building, equity and inclusion for professionals and institutions across the globe. *Disclaimer: Checking in with Dr. B. is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host.

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Carlon Lyons - You Have to Dream

May 21 2024 53 mins

Born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Carlon Lyons began his musical journey at age 9 at the Southern Marines Steel Band Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago, under the director Mr. Malamo Joseph.Carlon’s first performance was in 1994 at the National Panorama Competition held in Trinidad yearly. His love for the art form grew and he began taking part in competitions and event

Sherrese Moise - Challenge yourself to change

Apr 27 2024 41 mins

With two hit shows currently on the air and 7 films having been released in the last ten years on television, Sherrese Moise is one of the most successful and influential producers working in the film and television industry today. Sherrese was born in Trinidad and Tobago, and works in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Sherrese, launched her company as the Managing Director & Producer o

Gerard Boucaud - Running towards a life worth living

Jan 22 2024 34 mins

Gerard Boucaud is a highly skilled and experienced professional with over two decades of experience in audit, information technology consulting, and music. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Gerard has a master’s degree in business administration, a bachelor’s degree in music, and a bachelor’s degree in management information systems.Gerard has been involved with music for

Some call me...the Black Yoda - Leon "Foster" Thomas is Checking in with Dr. B

Sep 18 2023 60 mins

Leon Foster Thomas is a gifted international jazz musician and steel pan virtuoso. His music is a blend of his Caribbean roots with the harmonic and improvisational complexities of jazz, creating a lively and eclectic meld all his own.Critics laud him as “the next big thing on his instrument”, “...an enthralling improvisor...” (All About Jazz); “...masterful with impeccab

Each day I try to be a better version of myself - Le'Roi Simmonds is Checking in with Dr. B

Sep 06 2023 40 mins

Le`Roi Simmonds is a steel pan artist from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands,with a Bachelor's Degree in Pop Music from Florida Memorial University, anda Masters Degree in Jazz Studies from New York University. At the age often, Le`Roi started playing the steel pan with the DownstreetPandemonium Steel Orchestra. Today, as an adult he specializes inperformance, arranging, and education. Le

Music is life - Freddy Harris III is Checking in with Dr. B

Aug 07 2023 80 mins

Freddy Harris III - Music is Life checks in with Dr. B“Freddy Harris III is an award-winning musician and music producer. He first made a name for himself as a steelpan player for orchestras and artists. He is the son of popular Trinidadian guitarist, Freddie Harris Jr, and has been playing in groups as a steelpan player since the age of just six, winning many awards for his musi

I like to look past the sky - Kareem Thompson is Checking in with Dr. B

Jul 26 2023 28 mins

I like to look past the sky…. Kareem Thompson is Checking in with Dr. BCheck Dr. B's website https://www.keepyourjoyandrise.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/checkinginwithdrbComposer, Arranger, Steel pan virtuoso from Brooklyn, NY. Kareem got started with his family band "K.I.T Caribbean Connection" in the mid 90's. He has performed with the likes of Ludacris, Mighty Sparro

Using music as a tool to refine...rather than to medicate - Khuent Rose is Checking in with Dr. B

Jun 21 2023 66 mins

Immediately after graduating Midwood High School 16, Khuent Rose received a music scholarship to Florida Memorial University under the tutelage of Dr. Dawn Batson. Influenced by Jazz Professor by the late Melton Mustafa and classmates Leon “Foster” Thomas and Freddie Harris III, Rose developed an inimitable style of music. Faculty eventually encouraged other venues better suite

I try... to embrace the journey. Dr. Kendall K. Williams is Checking in with Dr. B

Jun 05 2023 58 mins

Born around the Trinidadian culture, Kendall Williams has adopted the country's national instrument, the steel pan. From as early as the age of four, Kendall made efforts to mimic his parents as they displayed their talents in a Miami-based steel band. It wasn't long before his efforts turned into a reality as he developed his skills and passion for the instrument. As he got older

Give yourself permission...to find that quiet place - Laura E. Scheele is Checking in with Dr. B.

Mar 28 2023 38 mins

Laura Elaine Scheele is an Indiana native, wife, mother to three wild and wonderful children, and a lifelong word nerd. Her love for language led her to writing and in 2022 her poetry was published in Bouquet of Stars: Poetry Chapel Volume 3 Chelan Harkin and Friends. Prior to writing, she was a professional singer for the Catholic church and prior to that, a kindergarten teacher w