Here’s To Life with Tori Reid

In nearly six decades of work, she has mentored hundreds of authors, poets and women globally. Her poetry has appeared in African American Review, Essence Magazine, Ms. Magazine... and dozens of literary journals and lifestyle magazines. In 2003, she was the recipient of the North Carolina Award for Literature (the highest award the state can bestow for significant contributions in science, literature, fine arts, and public service). She was selected for the Forbes distinguished 2022 list, 50 Over 50, in the Lifestyle category. She is an activist and a humanist, expertly versed in the power of words to lift the spirit, and she excels at the magic of  her being. She is passionate about "helping women, children, immigrants and newly literate citizens."

She is the first African American and third woman to be appointed as the North Carolina Poet Laureate. When he appointed her in 2018, Governor Cooper stated that “(She) brings a deep appreciation of our state’s diverse communities to her role as an ambassador of North Carolina literature.” Her mission is to "promote and expand appreciation of the literary arts" and "help ensure a high quality of life for all North Carolinians." And that's why Here's to Life is proud to welcome, Jaki Shelton Green, poet laureate of the people.

"Poetry is about so much more - it is about the work we do here on the planet. It is about crafting quality work and saving lives, elevating lives. It’s about the spirit. The serious writer who wants to work with an editor, the serious artist who wishes to workshop her work. My measurement of success is creating someone who is serious about the writing process. This is editing. This is refinement and curation of the spirit.” - Jaki Shelton Green
 
"we are the messengers/new messengers/arriving as mutations of ourselves/
we are these messengers/blue breath/red hands/singing a tree into dance"
From her poem "who will be the messengers of this land."

CREDITS:
Guest:  Jacqueline Shelton Green
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writer:  Patrick A. Howell
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts
Post Production Assistant:  Alana Coleman
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Premier Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Photo credit for Jacqueline Shelton Green:  Duke University

Music:
"Sry" by Twelwe
"Soft Speak" by Siarate
"Febrero" by Vendla
"Less Than Endless" by At The End of Times, Nothing

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2023 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Find out more about Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green here:
Jaki Shelton Green books
Jaki Shelton Green at Duke University

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Dubbed a “national treasure” and nicknamed the “Mother of Black Hollywood,” she’s starred in over 400 episodic TV shows, 68 movies, and four Broadway shows. During her prolific screen career, she’s most notably known as Zelma Bullock in Tina Turner biopic "What's Love Got to Do With It" and as Ruby Johnson in the socially-conscious sitcom "Black-ish." She’s an award-winning actress who steals every scene she’s in, and yet her “real work” is off stage and off camera as an activist and a mental health advocate. She’s a whirlwind of energy who has no time to waste. Her latest book and riveting work, “Walking in My Joy: In These Streets” touches the soul, makes you laugh out loud, while imparting ways on how to love yourself and keep negative energy at bay, while being beautifully transparent about her epic journey. She is a lover of life who is larger than life. Buckle up!! In this fiery conversation, they talk about the importance of loving yourself, her road to her authentic joy, making self-care a priority, how you can be in your joy, her latest book, and so much more. Here’s to the one and only, Jenifer Lewis.

CREDITS:
Guest:  Jenifer Lewis
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writer:  Tori Reid 
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts
Add’l Post Production:  Brian K. Jackson at Maven Soundz  
Add'l Editing:  Cutting Edge Editing 
Post Production Assistant:  Alana Coleman 
Music Supervision:  Another Place in Time Music  
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Premier Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Photo credit for Jenifer Lewis:  Unknown

Very special thanks to Terry Marsh, Ph.D.  

Music:
"Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 18 - I, Moderato" (Rachmaninoff) by Skidmore College Orchestra

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2023 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Connect with the Guest:
Jenifer Lewis on Instagram
Walking in My Joy: In These Streets

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Part II: Tori returns in delight with one of her favorite spirits, a true comedian's comedian and one of the world’s most groundbreaking, well-respected, and beloved entertainers. A true pioneer and legend in the entertainment industry with 52 years of comedy, relationships, stories, and wisdom to share. He has made over 500 national TV appearances as a stand-up comedian, including more than 60 appearances on The Tonight Show, and was a favorite guest of David Letterman. For fourteen years, he was the opening act for Frank Sinatra, and performed countless times with artists like Smokey Robinson, Liza Minnelli, Natalie Cole, and Sammy Davis, Jr. He is currently appearing to rave reviews around the country in his one-man show “An Evening Of Laughter and Memories of Sinatra.” In this spirited Part 2 conversation, they talk about the inner workings of show business, how to have balance in life, your ego vs spirit, what brings him pure joy, and so much more! Here's to the man who made Sinatra laugh, and Tori's beloved "Uncle Tom" ... Tom Dreesen.

“The day I met him, my life forever changed. The day he passed away, I knew my life would never be the same.” - Tom Dreesen (on his relationship with Frank Sinatra)

CREDITS:
Guest:  Tom Dreesen
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writers:  Tori Reid and Patrick A. Howell 
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts
Add'l Editing:  Cutting Edge Editing 
Post Production Assistant:  Sydney Rhone 
Music Supervision:  Another Place in Time Music  
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Premier Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Photo credit for Tom Dreesen:  James Devaney

Music:
"Jazz Intimate 6" by Magnus Ringblom
“A Warm Welcome” by Martin Landstrom
“Ready for New York” by Tiki Tiki
“Tropic Swing” by Sarah, the Illstrumentalist
Vivreau Ad Music - "That's What Left Us Behind" by Christian Anderson

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2022 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Connect with the Guest:
Tom Dreesen Official Website
Still Standing: My Journey From Streets and Saloons, to the Stage and Sinatra

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

She is so much more than a costume designer or expert storyteller. She is a trailblazer. A pioneer. A leader. Think Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther. Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, Do The Right Thing or 12 other Spike Lee joints. Ava DuVernay’s Selma. Lee Daniels' The Butler. Steven Spielberg’s Amistad. Coming 2 America… and so much more. But who is the woman behind the accolades? What makes her tick? What gives her life? And what drove her to become the first African American to win an Academy Award in Costume Design? And furthermore, how has it changed her?

Here's to diving deeper into the life and mind of the modern iconoclast… Ruth E. Carter.

CREDITS:

Guest:  Ruth E. Carter
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Associate Producer:  Sterfon Demings
Writer:  Tori Reid
Post Production:  Cutting Edge Editing
Additional Post Production:  Stereo Mixtrumental
Post Production Assistant:  Sydney Rhone 
Music Supervision:  Another Place in Time Music
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Premier Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hampton University
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Photo credit for Ruth E. Carter:  Jeff Lipsky

Music:
“Glow” by Stereo Mixtrumental
“Burning Up” by Chi Vaughn
"Act I Fluvial" by Jo Wandrini
Outro - Produced by Stereo Mixtrumental
Vivreau Ad Music - "Soft Speak" by Siarate

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2022 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Connect with the Guest:
Ruth E. Carter Official Website
Ruth E. Carter Afrofuturism in Costume Design Exhibit
Visit Hampton University: The Standard of Excellence

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Tori returns to her beloved alma mater, Hampton University, reflects and has a very special homecoming with the singular President Dr. William R. Harvey. Known for more than 40 years of legendary leadership, he transformed the university from a small Black college to a world-class leader within higher education. Whether it’s his powerful presence, establishing the largest free-standing proton beam cancer center in the world, increasing the endowment from $29 million to over $400 million dollars, erecting 29 new buildings and the initiation of 92 new academic degrees… or simply his passion and unwavering commitment behind it all, he is a highly respected titan among men. Tori delights in her "Hampton Experience" and love for the prestigious HBCU. In the center of the Hampton University Museum, the oldest African American museum in the nation, they discuss the power of dreaming, what makes Hampton University singular, the importance of character, what he's most proud of, the key to being unshakeable under pressure, his wish for the future of Hampton University, and so much more! Here's to the titan visionary leader, Dr. William R. Harvey. 

CREDITS:

Guest:  Dr. William R. Harvey
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Co-Producer:  James Parker
Writers:  Tori Reid and Patrick A. Howell 
Audio Recording:  Franklin Fitzgerald
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts
Additional Post Production:  Stereo Mixtrumental
Music Supervision:  Another Place in Time Music
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Premier Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Photo credit for Dr. William R. Harvey:  J.D. Scott

A special thank you to Vanessa D. Thaxton-Ward and the staff at the Hampton University Museum. 

Music:
"Afternoon in Washington Square Park” by Jerry McHoy
"Act I Fluvial" by Jo Wandrini
"Act II Hygro" by Jo Wandrini
“King’s Chamber” by Cercles Nouvelles
Vivreau Ad Music - "Soft Speak" by Siarate

 a Victory & Noble production
@ 2022 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

She is so much more than a costume designer. She is a national treasure and global visionary. She was nominated twice for an Oscar for her timeless work on Spike Lee’s Malcolm X and Steven Spielberg’s Amistad. She became the first African American to win an Academy Award in Costume Design for her exquisite designs on Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther. The proud Hampton University graduate has designed an impressive filmography of over 60 diverse film and television projects. She has worked artfully with Spike Lee on 14 films including Do The Right Thing, and has designed for other directors including Ava DuVernay, Lee Daniels, and John Singleton in American iconographic films such as Selma and The Butler. In this impassioned conversation, Tori uncovers Ruth's magical journey, her all-time storytelling heroes, her serendipitous first meeting with Ryan Coogler, and more! Here's to our beloved Afrofuturistic shero… Ruth E. Carter.

CREDITS:

Guest:  Ruth E. Carter
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Associate Producer:  Sterfon Demings
Writer:  Patrick A. Howell 
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts
Additional Post Production:  Stereo Mixtrumental
Post Production Assistant:  Sydney Rhone 
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Premier Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Photo credit for Ruth E. Carter:  Unknown

Music:
“Sweeping The Savannah” by Sight of Wonders
“Things I Love” by LVLY
Vivreau Ad Music - "Soft Speak" by Siarate

 a Victory & Noble production
@ 2022 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Connect with the Guest:
Ruth E. Carter Official Website

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Tori delights in talking to one of her favorite spirits, a true comedian's comedian and one of the world’s most groundbreaking, well-respected, and beloved entertainers. He has made over 500 national TV appearances as a stand-up comedian, including more than 60 appearances on The Tonight Show, and was a favorite guest of David Letterman. For fourteen years he was the opening act for Frank Sinatra, and performed countless times with artists like Smokey Robinson, Liza Minnelli, Natalie Cole, and Sammy Davis, Jr. For the first six years of his career, he shared the stage with Tim Reid as America’s first—and only—black and white comedy team. In this spirited conversation, they talk about his magical journey with Frank Sinatra, wisdom gained and what he misses most, his book "Still Standing", the power of laughter, the future of comedy, and so much more! Here's to the man who made Sinatra laugh, and Tori's beloved "Uncle Tom" ... Tom Dreesen.

CREDITS:
Guest:  Tom Dreesen
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writer:  Patrick A. Howell 
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts
Post Production Assistant:  Sydney Rhone 
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Premier Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Photo credit for Tom Dreesen:  Unknown

Music:
"Jazz Intimate 6" by Magnus Ringblom
Vivreau Ad Music - "That's What Left Us Behind" by Christian Anderson
Outro - Produced by Stereo Mixtrumental

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2022 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Connect with the Guest:
Tom Dreesen Official Website
Still Standing: My Journey From Streets and Saloons, to the Stage and Sinatra

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Just who is the woman behind our latest "Aunt Viv?" Let's get the Inside track, and we use that word "inside" knowingly, on this powerful, every woman. Get ready for joy. Fresh out of NYU's Tisch Graduate Acting Program, she fulfilled her dream of working with both Denzel Washington, as his wife, and Spike Lee, in the hit film, "Inside Man". How?  You may wonder. By being herself.  And she's been on the inside of culture with successful shows as Luke Cage, Atlanta, and The Last O.G., and in films as Chris Rock's "I Think I Love My Wife" and more recently playing Mama Durant (Kevin Durant's mother) in "The Real MVP: The Wanda Durant Story". But she's best known for her current role on the hit show and remake, BEL-AIR as Vivian Banks aka "Aunt Viv" on Peacock. She's a lifelong dreamer and more importantly a manifestor, whose self-proclaimed purpose in life is to help people find their joy. And she's doing just that as she's fiercely reinventing the role of matriarch, a la Clair Huxtable or Aunt Viv 3.0, renewed for the 21st century... coloring her with some extra spice and that West Philly attitude in her own special way. 

"Here's to Life" welcomes the vivacious, refreshing, and joy-filled talent, who some call "Aunt Viv"... the beautiful Cassandra Freeman.

This episode on "Here's To Life":

•  How she's made the role "Aunt Viv" her own and reinventing the matriarch
•  What the show BEL-AIR means to her and their power of storytelling
•  How African American Art came to play such a centric role in BEL AIR 
•  The mother and daughter dynamic in this new age
•  Her respect and admiration for the original “Aunt Vivs” Daphne Maxwell Reid and Janet Hubert
•  The serendipitous story of how she landed her first film role working with Denzel Washington and Spike Lee 
•  What her 3 year old is teaching her and how her unique parenting style informs her day-to-day life in the possibilities, potential and probabilities present in all of our lives
•  What makes her feel the most alive 
•  Tori highlights Cassandra's powers and Cassandra returns with a clairvoyant revelation about Tori, and how each one of us has a blessed gift

CREDITS:

Guest:  Cassandra Freeman
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writers:  Patrick A. Howell and Tori Reid
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts
Add'l Editing:  Cutting Edge Editing 
Add’l Post Production:  Brian K. Jackson at Maven Soundz
Post Production Assistant:  Sydney Rhone 
Show Intern Affiliation:  Howard University 
Music Supervision:  Patrick A. Howell
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Premier Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Social Media Marketing and Graphics by Octavia Johnson
Photo credit for Cassandra Freeman:  Emily Assiran

Very special thank you to Daphne Maxwell Reid and Team Jill Fritzo PR.

Music:
Intro and Outro - "Love Hop" by Stereo Mixtrumental
Commentaries - "In My Room" by Christophe Gorman
Vivreau Ad Music - "That's What Left Us Behind" by Christian Anderson

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2022 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Connect with the Guest:
Cassandra Freeman on Instagram

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Part II:  Tori explores the ancient adage "to whom much is given, much is required" with a soul star and Grammy Award winner and soul storyteller for Part II of this fun, insightful, and warm conversation. As a self-described "country boy" and "soul man whisperer", he never forgets his roots, and is determined to always fuel his communities that he stays connected to through his music, and his soul. He has been nominated for 17 Grammy Awards, sold nearly 50 million albums around the world, and has been compared to such icons as Sam Cooke and Al Green. He is the torch bearer... with a sound that is vintage R&B, while impacting modern culture. Love Is The New Black is the title of his latest album, and the first under his own label "My Music Box." They talk about the breakthroughs he's made, not only in music, but in the art form of business, acting, and life itself... and how his incredible spirit feeds into a legacy that will be celebrated with our greats. 

"Here's To Life" welcomes back the brilliant, soulful and authentic talent, and one of our favorite soul storytellers to spread more love, more laughs, and realness... Anthony Hamilton. 

"If you have the opportunity to put something in the music that can change somebody’s perspective and the way they view, not just you but view others, I think we have the obligation to do that." - Anthony Hamilton

This episode on "Here's To Life":
•  How he stays grounded
•  Why he loves being a Black man 
•  Express oneself and the responsibility of an artist with a platform 
•  Working with Prince, D'Angelo, Isaac Hayes, Al Green and others during his illustrious career
•  How Denzel Washington inspired him and what roles he would like to take on as an actor
•  His power move to have his own label "My Music Box" and what it means to own your masters
•  Hear his impersonating the great Ruby Dee in her role as "Mama Lucas" in the film, American Gangster

CREDITS: 

Guest:  Anthony Hamilton 
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writers:  Patrick Howell with Tori Reid 
Post Production:   WeEdit Podcasts with Cutting Edge Editing 
Post Production Consultant:  Brian K. Jackson at Maven Soundz
Post Production Assistant:  Sydney Rhone
Show Intern Affiliation:  Howard University
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Logo Graphic Design:  Henny Vallee 
Photo credit for Anthony Hamilton:  Antwon Maxwell

Very special thanks to Tim Reid II and Eli Davis.

Music:
Intro and Outro - "Power of the Bull" by Stereo Mixtrumental
For Commentaries - "Beautiful" (Priority) - Inst. by Stereo Mixtrumental

Vivreau Ad Music - "That's What Left Us Behind" by Christian Anderson

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2022 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Connect with the Guest:
Official website for Anthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton on Instagram
Anthony Hamilton on Apple Music

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

For Black History Month, we're celebrating a cultural icon dubbed the "first Black action hero" and the groundbreaking film that birthed him, made Oscar history, and was inducted for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". Shut yo mouth! He returns for a Part 2 conversation as he talks about the 50th anniversary of the film “Shaft,” working with the Renaissance man himself… Gordon Parks, remembering John Singleton, and more. Who is the man that would risk his neck for his brother, man? We also heard he was a bad… well, you know the rest. We’re just talking about the original Shaft.

"Here's to Life" welcomes back "the first Black action hero" and the soulful, cultural iconoclast spirit that is Richard Roundtree. 

This episode on "Here's To Life":
•  What it was like making the film "Shaft" and the responsibility of "fame"
•  Revisits the magic of the Renaissance man and visionary, Gordon Parks
•  Shares a key to get through dark times and remain sane
•  Tells a heartwarming story about his father, John Roundtree
•  Reveals what would be his greatest accomplishment and how he wishes to be remembered
•  Expresses the hardest thing he had to do to fulfill his destiny

CREDITS:

Guest:  Richard Roundtree 
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writers:  Patrick Howell and Octavia Johnson
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts 
Add’l Post Production:  Brian K. Jackson at Maven Soundz
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Premier Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Logo Graphic Design:  Henny Vallee 
Social Media Marketing and Graphics by Octavia Johnson
Photo credit for Richard Roundtree:  Unknown

Music:
Intro and Outro - "Africa" by Stereo Mixtrumental
Vivreau Ad Music - "That's What Left Us Behind" by Christian Anderson

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2022 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Connect with the Guest:
Richard Roundtree on Instagram
Richard Roundtree on Facebook

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Tori takes pleasure in speaking with the “original Black action hero” and a cultural iconoclast. Many see him simply as John Shaft with a brash, ‘take no prisoners’ veneer. He however says, “what you see is not the actual”.  So, he is not only cool but a true gentleman, gentle soul and master thespian whose works span 5 decades including his forthcoming show with Ava DuVernay. The man also known as double R (or RR) is his father's son and a loving father with a disarming wit that will delight if not tickle you to all ends.

He began his one of a kind career as a model with the Ebony Fashion Fair, Johnson Products’, and Salem Cigarettes. After joining the Negro Ensemble Company, his first role was portraying boxing legend Jack Johnson in The Great White Hope. From there, he became a leading man whose career was launched by playing the infamous and original detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft. For his performance, he was nominated for the Golden Globe Award Most Promising Newcomer Male Actor - in 1972. What followed has been a distinguished filmography including Inchon opposite Laurence Olivier, Alex Haley’s Roots, City Heat opposite Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds, and David Fincher’s Se7en. 

"Here's to Life" welcomes the brilliant, soulful and beautiful spirit that is Richard Roundtree.

"What you see… what you perceive is not the actual.” - Richard Roundtree 

CREDITS:

Guest:  Richard Roundtree 
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writer:  Patrick Howell 
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts 
Add’l Post Production:  Brian K. Jackson at Maven Soundz
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Premier Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Logo Graphic Design:  Henny Vallee 
Photo credit for Richard Roundtree:  Unknown

Music:
Intro and Outro - "Africa" by Stereo Mixtrumental
Vivreau Ad Music - "That's What Left Us Behind" by Christian Anderson

a Victory & Noble production

@ 2022 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Connect with the Guest:
Richard Roundtree on Instagram
Richard Roundtree on Facebook

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Tori has the pleasure to speak with an emerging, compassionate love champion. A true champion of the spirit. She is a proud Zimbabwean singer-songwriter, philanthropist, activist, storyteller, gymnast and television personality. Using words as weapons of love, her 2021 debut album "I'm not a mother, but I have children," is about the responsibility she feels to build a better world for future generations of all living things. From being Zimbabwe's first Black woman gymnast at the All-Africa Games, to being a cast member on Real World: San Diego and working with MTV as a host and correspondent, she's accomplished a lot in a short amount of time and is just getting started. 

She is a radical thinker who delivers revolutionary messages while making people dance and celebrate life. With "It’s a Good Day (to Fight the System)" - her song that debuted on Netflix's hit show "The Chair" starring Sandra Oh - she hopes it brings some joy into whatever fight you’re fighting. As she says, "After all, what we’re fighting for IS joy — the joy of a life whose fullest potential can be reached without hitting, or being hit by, systemic roadblocks." To her song, "To be me" - a song of empowerment for anyone who has "felt unsafe in their skin, body, identity or expression." Her ambition through her music is to gain an influential platform to affect fundamental social, educational and political changes in her home country, and on behalf of displaced and disenchanted youth around the globe. Ultimately, this icon in the making wants us to choose love. 

"Here's To Life" welcomes the proud, compassionate, and free soul...  Shungudzo. 

“We're at this point in our lives where life has given us this torch and it's our responsibility to decide what happens next.” - Shungudzo 

CREDITS:

Guest:  Shungudzo Kuyimba
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writers:  Patrick Howell with Tori Reid  
Post Production:  Next Day Podcast and Cutting Edge Editing
Post Production Assistant:  Kapri Echols
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Logo Graphic Design:  Henny Vallee
Photo credit for Shungudzo Kuyimba:  Yazz Alali

Music:
Intro & Outros  - "The Mission" by Stereo Mixtrumental
Vivreau Ad Music - "That's What Left Us Behind" by Christian Anderson

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2021 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Connect with the Guest:
Official website for Shungudzo
Shungudzo on Instagram

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Before George Floyd, before Breonna Taylor, before America knew about Black Lives Matter, there was Michael Brown, Jr. On August 9th, 2014, in Ferguson Missouri, Darren Wilson, a white officer, fatally shot an unarmed Brown, and in the days that followed protest, anger, frustration and fear took over the city and its community. Six years later, a new story emerges, one filled with hope, love and beauty. Through interviews from community members, including Dorian Johnson, who was with him that day, and Michael Brown’s father, "Ferguson Rises" illuminates the stories from within the city since that time, including the dreams and desires of its citizens to move beyond the limited and all-too-common narratives of racism and division in the media. The film reveals the humanity within the people of Ferguson, who represent all of us, and the communities in which we live. — Deborah Rudolph

Here’s to Life is proud to support "Ferguson Rises" Academy Awards Oscar campaign, and welcome the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival Audience Awards winner Mobolaji Olambiwonnu, along with Grammy Award winning artist, Aloe Blacc.

“When things happening in the world seem so terrible and dark, it’s so easy to get stuck in all the negative,” he says. “But I try to do whatever I can to help people out of that. I want my music to be the light.” 

That’s one of this episode’s guests, Aloe Blacc, talking not only about a Grammy Award winning career which has sold millions of albums globally, but also his commitment to hope, love and beauty in the form of an Oscar qualifier “Ferguson Rises” and its committed director, and our other guest, Mobolaji Olambiwonnu. Perhaps, on a spiritual plane, these two artists - the filmmaker and singer - understand the art form of their crafts where community, curation of the human spirit and creative expression are one.  

Ferguson Rises is about tragedy, transcendence and hope. It's the story of a father's grief and a small town that gave rise to a global movement. Ferguson Rises is a powerful reminder that, while specifics may differ, the fight for human rights is universal. 

This episode on Here's To Life:
•  Crafting positive purpose and social transformation through art and pain
•  How Aloe Blacc's song "The Other Side" spiritually frames the film
•  Pushing for change and making it to the other side of trauma
•  The inspiration behind Aloe Blacc's powerful hit song "The Man"
•  The story that has never been told... until now

CREDITS:

Guests: Mobolaji Olambiwonnu and Aloe Blacc
Host and Producer: Tori Reid
Executive Producer: Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writer: Patrick A. Howell
Post Production: Cutting Edge Editing
Add'l Post Production: We Edit Podcasts
Voiceover Artist: Vïntóry Blake Moore
Advertising Sponsor: Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor: Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist: Ginger Levert
Logo Photography: Bobby Holland
Photo credit for Mobolaji Olambiwonnu: Zack DeZon
Photo credit for Aloe Blacc: Reid Rolls

Music:
"Twelve Years" by Fabien Tell
Vivreau Ad Music - "That's What Left Us Behind" by Christian Anderson

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2021 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Official Trailer for "Ferguson Rises"

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

He is a soulful storytelling master. As a matter of fact, he is in the soulful lineage of Sam Cooke, Al Green, or Bill Withers in his vocal mastery, storytelling prowess and evolution of self, as well as his sound. He could be one of the last of his kind in an era characterized by quick fixes on social media, streaming music and the evolution of Hip Hop.  He is a soul man who takes his sweet Southern time and by his own lyrical admission, "my soul is on fire!"  This time, he is tuning all of our spirits to the highest possible frequency with an earthy homage to love. Perhaps, this is not only a season of love, but an age of love that he himself is ushering in.

"Love is the New Black" is the title of this multi-platinum Grammy Award winning artist’s latest creation in a career umbrellaing nearly 4 decades. It's also his first album under his own label "My Music Box". Widely acclaimed by critics and music lovers, the album has received 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. He has been nominated for 17 Grammy Awards, sold nearly 50 million albums around the world and has worked side by side with D'Angelo and Prince at Paisley Park Studios. He is a singer, songwriter, and producer who rose to fame with his platinum-selling second studio album "Comin' from Where I'm From", which featured the title track single "Comin' from Where I'm From" and the follow-up mega hit "Charlene".

"Here's to Life" welcomes the brilliant, soulful and authentic talent that is Anthony Hamilton. 

“I learned patience, perseverance, and dedication. Now, I really know myself, and I know my voice.  It’s a voice of pain and victory.”  - Anthony Hamilton 

This episode on "Here's To Life":
•  Why is LOVE the new black?  What does this mean?
•  The reasons why Anthony Hamilton sings about love
•  Hear why Anthony is comin' from where he's from...
•  Love shows itself in various ways; not just romantic
•  Find out why Lucille gets a little more love than Charlene
•  Delight in an impromptu version of Anthony singing "Superstar" and more

CREDITS:

Guest:  Anthony Hamilton
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writers:  Patrick Howell with Tori Reid
Post Production:  Cutting Edge Editing
Post Production Consultant:  Brian K. Jackson at Maven Soundz
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Logo Graphic Design:  Henny Vallee
Photo credit for Anthony Hamilton:  Antwon Maxwell (Love is the New Black, album cover)

Very special thanks to Tim Reid II and Eli Davis.

Music:
Intro and Outro - "Power of the Bull" by Stereo Mixtrumental
For Commentaries - "Beautiful" (Priority) - Inst. by Stereo Mixtrumental
 
Vivreau Ad Music - "That's What Left Us Behind" by Christian Anderson

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2021 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved.

Connect with the Guest:
Official website for Anthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton on Instagram

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

He is an internationally acclaimed fine art photographer, an evolving spirit, and a humble creative. One who captures the ocean, the sun… the surf - like no other. Known for being the Creator of Modern Surf Photography, he’s redefining the sport of modern surfing through his lens. He’s traveled to over 50 countries for films, travel journalism assignments and his epic imagery has been published worldwide in hundreds of books, along with over 100 magazine covers globally to his name. His work has appeared in Newsweek, Sports Illustrated, GQ, People, US Weekly and Elle. He’s shot a variety of subjects, including poets, surfers of course, swimsuit models and Nobel scientists, and elephants in Namibia. Aaron is also revolutionizing art in the healthcare industry. Commissioned by some of the most prominent hospitals, his photography and multi-media art has elevated healing and inspired patients to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds them, even in times of crisis. Aaron’s mission is to always bring joy to people through his art, and to help those appreciate the gift of life. Here’s to a dynamic ambassador of the arts, Aaron Chang. 

“There’s no such thing as perfection in the creative process, I don’t think. I think only God is perfection. The rest of us just try our guts out.” - Aaron Chang

CREDITS:

Guest:  Aaron Chang 
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writers:  Tori Reid with Patrick A. Howell
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Logo Graphic Design:  Henny Vallee 
Photo credit for Aaron Chang:  Aaron Chang

Music:
Intro and Outro - “Marbles” by Harbours & Oceans
For Commentaries - “The Warm & Absolute” by Lotus

Vivreau Ad Music - "That's What Left Us Behind" by Christian Anderson

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2021 Victory & Noble LLC All Rights Reserved

Connect with the Guest:
Official website for Aaron Chang

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

This is Part II of a 2 part series celebrating and looking closely at the Fischer family musical legacy to our times and the world.

Grammy-winning producer, composer, arranger Brent Fischer carries on the legacy of his legendary father, Dr. Clare Fischer.  Brent's  arranging credits appear on over 30 million albums to include: Usher, Michael Jackson, Elvis Costello & The Roots, and D'Angelo (who won Grammy Album and Song of The Year for "Really Love" from his album "Black Messiah" where Brent Fischer is credited as arranger and producer). Brent produced the last eight Clare Fischer albums, including: Grammy-nominated 2011 release ‘Continuum', 2012 Grammy-winning '¡Ritmo!' (Best Latin Jazz Album) and 2013 Grammy-winning ‘Music for Strings, Percussion and the Rest’ (Best Instrumental Composition).

The Clare Fischer Music Library is really about the melody between father and sons, one generation and the next. There is something otherworldly about those connections that bond, bind and mesmerize. Legacy is alive and the inspiration that Brent takes from his father who was influenced by Latin greats and worked directly with Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington, is passed down to countless others who experience their greatness.  

We all have a rich legacy. Tori recognizes the universality of legacy in her own special story.  This episode debuts two new segments to the show - an opening monologue with some behind the scenes banter and "Gimme a Minute" at the show's conclusion, a freewheeling riff of some of Tori's off the cuff thoughts.  "Here's to Life" welcomes again the brilliant, rich, and passionate symphonic talent, Brent Fischer. 

"His greatest gift to me was his collection of his handwritten scores. And his music lives on in everything that I do; and I mean that sincerely.”  - Brent Fischer (on his father)

This week on Here's To Life:
• What is Legacy and why does it matter? 
• In Art... is perfection necessary? To tweak or not to tweak?
• The Power of Exposure on a child
• The Evolution of the incredible father/son duet over 35 years 
• How the Magic of Music Ties Us All Together
• The Responsibility of Following in a Parent's Footsteps
• The Legacy of the Fischer Family to the Music World

CREDITS:
Guest:  Brent Fischer
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer and Director:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writers:  Patrick A. Howell and Tori Reid
Associate Producer:  Claris Dodge 
Special Consultant:  Jizelle Reid
Add'l Post Production:  Brian K. Jackson, Maven Soundz
Post Production Assistant:  Lauren Young
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Photo Credit for Brent Fischer:  Unknown

Music:  
"Rainforest" by Brent Fischer (Outro)
Music Editor:  Matt Brownlie

Other Music selections:
"A Nostalgic Breeze" -

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

I am Tori Reid and I have a long standing tradition called “Tori Sundays” where I tune in, in order to tune up. Call it meditation. Dancing. Dancing with the universe. Dancing in my innerverse.  Reading. Call it prayer. Writing. Call it really loving myself. For me, that’s Tori Sundays. I've put my all into these shows. But really, they are sharings of myself with my listeners. And I get so many comments about not only our magical, incredible and brilliant guests, but also the thoughts and spirit musings throughout. So we're trying something new:  My HTL Musings.

In today's debut HTL Musing, I've invoked none other than Saint Mother Teresa. Sister Teresa learned to speak both Bengali and Hindi fluently as she taught geography and history and dedicated herself to alleviating the girls' poverty through education. On May 24, 1937, she took her Final Profession of Vows to a life of poverty, chastity and obedience. So who else would I talk about when putting together a vignette on kindness?

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” – Mother Teresa

Produced, directed and written by:  Tori Reid & Patrick A. Howell
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts
Associate Producer:  Rita Reid
Special Consultant:  Christian Howell 
Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Advertising Sponsor:  AfroBiz and Ubiz News
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images

Music:
Light it Up (Instrumental Version) - Xavy Rusan, Tilden Parc
A Magic Moon - Howard Harper-Barnes

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2021 Victory & Noble LLC All Rights Reserved

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Some may know him as Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister, and others as Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati. And then there are those who fondly recall him as Frank Parrish on Frank’s Place, or others as "Downtown Brown" on Simon and Simon. But none of these aliases hold a candle to the man, distinct, renowned and an original in his own right.  He is called a pioneer because of his founding of New Millennium Studios in 1997 before Tyler Perry and after Oscar Micheaux’s Lincoln Motion Picture Company in the 1940's.  So many around the world call him inspiration or mentor. Two of us call him Dad.  And there is one who calls him Poppy. He is also doted on as a husband, friend and leader amongst men. He has a whimsical mischief in his heart that attaches anatomically to your funny bone; a twinkle in his eye that catches you off guard and makes you see the stars; and the most unforgettable stories one can ever tell. Yes, a charismatic presence that can elevate all within his radius to cosmic beings; the most elemental definition of a superstar. 

Here’s to Tim Reid, my dad - a culture manifesting auteur, a brilliant visionary, an outlier - an icon.  

“When I built the studio, first since Oscar Micheaux, betting millions of my own money... it didn’t work the way I had anticipated. It does work - Tyler Perry has proven that and he’s done a hell of a job with it. So I knew it worked. Yeah, it's possible!"  - Tim Reid

This week on Here's To Life:
•  The Importance and Strength of Family
•  The Power of Change and How It Can Be Your Lifeblood
•  Living in the Spirit, and How he keeps his spirit alive
•  Exploring the Most Valuable & Powerful Asset - Your Eternal Soul
•  Dream Manifestation & Making It In Hollywood
•  The most important lessons and values he has imparted on his children
•  How to Live Eternally through Generations
•  and, this episode is For Those Who Want to be a "Star"

CREDITS:

Guest:  Tim Reid 
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writers:  Tori Reid and Patrick A. Howell
Director:  Tori Reid
Audio Recording:  Sergio Lapalma
Add'l Post Production:  Brian K. Jackson at Maven Soundz
Post Production Assistant:  Lauren Young
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Special Guest Voiceover Artist:  Skylar T. Reid
Special Consultant:  Rita Reid 
Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images
Logo Graphic Design:  Henny Vallee 
Photo credit for Tim Reid:  Unknown

Music:
Intro and Outro - “Africa”
For Commentaries - "Mission"
Both Produced by Stereo Mixtrumental

Vivreau Ad Music - "That's What Left Us Behind" by Christian Anderson

a Victory & Noble production
@ 2021 Victory & Noble LLC All Rights Reserved

Resources Mentione

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Last week Prince enjoyed a birthday.  He remains one of the most celebrated pop artist of the 20th century and the soundtrack by which many artists measure their own creations and draw inspiration from.  In this episode of Here’s to Life’s, Tori Reid explores the music and orchestral arrangements of some of his most widely celebrated albums including Parade, Sign of the Times, Batman (Soundtrack), Lotus Flow3r, Chrystal Ball, Graffiti Bridge and Girl Six.  This week's guest as well as his orchestral compositions are in fact a soundtrack for the 21st century having composed musical arrangements for Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Chaka Kahn, Toni Braxton, Raphael Saadiiq, Al Jarreau, Michael Jackson, Usher, The Roots (with Elvis Costello) and D’Angelo. Going back to the 1940’s, Tori's guest and his father were profoundly influenced by Latin jazz, mambo and bossa nova greats as Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito.  This duo's collaborations have come posthumously with the father's significant library along with his son, a prodigy in his own right who grew up lying under the piano listening to his father.  In fact, they have won 3 Grammy’s on their collaborations.  And these orchestral arrangements are the soundtracks to arguably the greatest pop star of the 21st century, Prince. 

Here's to harmony, here's to the symphonic funk, here's to the orchestral delight swirling in the Purple one's anthems... and Here's to Brent Fischer and his father, the late great Clare Fischer.

This is Part 1 of a 2 part series focusing on the Fischer musical legacy.

"On the first big album that dad did for Prince on Parade, Prince wrote in the liner notes... it said special thank you to Clare Fischer for making more beautiful, the colors, black and white. Cause you know, there was that whole black and white theme for Parade and Under the Cherry Moon that the album covers in black and whites... basically Questlove did the same thing on this wise Up  Ghost album.  He said special thank you to Brent Fischer for making more beautiful, the colors, white an black."  - Brent Fischer

Credits   

Guest:  Brent Fischer 
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writer:  Patrick A. Howell
Associate Producer:  Claris Dodge  
Special Consultant:  Jizelle Reid 
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts
Add'l Post Production:  Brian K. Jackson at Maven Soundz
Post Production Assistant:  Lauren Young
Show Intern Affiliation:  Howard University
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert

Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images

Music Editor: Matt Brownlie 

Music: by Brent Fischer 

New Thing
Son of a Dad
Rainforest

Prince music featuring the Claire and Brent Fischer Sound 

Sign of the Times (Clare Fischer, Orchestral Arrangement, Brent Fischer Percussion)
All My Dreams (Clare Fischer, Orchestral Arrangement)

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with the Guests:

Brent Fischer's Official Website

Brent Fischer 

Connect with Tori Reid:

Tori Reid on Instagram

Here's To Life on Facebook

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.

Part II:  This episode bookends our March Women's History Month as a tall glass of sweet Virginian iced tea between Tori Reid and her step mother.  We celebrate the 25th anniversary of the series finale (May 20, 1996) of "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". Our Aunt Viv discusses her sweet joy and well lived memories from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion special on HBO Max, the late great James Avery, the surprise first time union with Janet Hubert, and Will Smith’s inspiring journey to growth and acceptance.  From sitcom to reality, they examine their own blended family; decades of blood, sweat and tears in a beautiful, though frank, conversation between two powerhouse women. They make it look easy and beautiful but it is like the graceful chocolate swan gliding in the sometimes murky waters of life’s vast ocean. The two women laugh, keep it authentic and celebrate the victories, valleys, peaks and exalt one another in this piece of Virginian and Hollywood Americana.

Here’s to the grace, soul and mother wit of Daphne Maxwell Reid.

“We are a blended family. Like the Banks family, the Reids have had an uncommon success. Our harmony has come through the blending of time, belly laughter, family celebrations, bumpy roads and the greatest of all virtues, Love Almighty. So, here's to the love that is earned. The Love that pushes past the hurt, confusion, anger... to become stronger, more resilient, battle tested and true. Here’s to family.” - Tori Reid

This week on Here's To Life:
•  Reflections on memories of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion special on HBO Max, including the late great James Avery and the warm and wonderful rejoining of Janet Hubert and their meeting for the first time
•  Her experience with blended families and insight gained and shared on the bumpy, yet beautiful ride of her own blended family
•  How respect is key within blended family relationships especially between step-parents and step-children
•  Exploring power couples as the iconic Tim Reid and Daphne Maxwell Reid, and how they make it work

Credits:

Guest:  Daphne Maxwell Reid
Host and Producer:  Tori Reid
Executive Producer:  Patrick A. Howell
Co-Executive Producer:  Tori Reid
Writers:  Patrick A. Howell and Tori Reid
Post Production:  We Edit Podcasts
Add'l Post Production:  Brian K. Jackson at Maven Soundz
Post Production Assistant:  Lauren Young
Show Intern Affiliation:  Howard University
Voiceover Artist:  Vïntóry Blake Moore
Advertising Sponsor:  Vivreau Water Systems
Advertising Sponsor:  Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Ad Voiceover Artist:  Ginger Levert
Logo Photography:  Bobby Holland / MPTV Images

Music:
"Frio Suave" by Elevador

a Victory & Noble production
© 2021 Victory & Noble LLC  All Rights Reserved

Resources Mentioned:

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion on HBO Max

Connect with the Guests:

Daphne Maxwell Reid's Official Website
Daphne Maxwell Reid on Instagram

Connect with Tori Reid:

Here's to Life with Tori Reid is a show about living your best life, living it out loud and always using the reservoir of the spirit to fill in life's valleys and mountain tops. Find more of our shows at www.HerestoLifeEveryday.com, also find out more about our host Tori Reid on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iamtorireid.