Interview – Joseph A Federico

Masters of Horror: Choosing the perfect model

February 3, 2020February 3, 2020
by josephafederico

As you may have read in the past – namely for projects such as Voudou Juice and soon-to-be Voudou Juice Origins: Cody’s Story – I have a soft spot for male models. That’s just me being 100% transparent and honest with you, my adoring fans and readers.

Truthfully, however, I feel that by choosing a real-life young man to portray one of my wild and crazy characters, the reader will attain a better experience overall – a story of my very own that I’m sharing with the public. You’ll get to vividly envision my words through male beauty. And besides, one of the missions I’m currently on is to push the envelope – through words and through explicit visuals.

So, without further ado, I’m here to announce my newest model, Riley Holley. You have a chance to explore the depths of his creativity and why he is so interested in the horror genre.

Explain why you wanted to model and how this has given you that opportunity:

I’ve modeled before, but chose to go to school for a degree instead of jumping into the modeling world like some of my fellow childhood friends; they now travel the world doing what they love. I couldn’t be happier for them.

But, this gives me the opportunity to jump back in where I left off, trying different styles. For me, it’s not about the money…although, that would be nice. I find it soul-grounding for one to do something they enjoy, yet, challenging at the same time. It gives oneself an opportunity to indulge in bringing characters to life and the manifestation of one’s own concept of emotions and world views.

Explain your background and how these projects, being a book cover model, has given you the freedom to be yourself:

Growing up in the south as a homosexual man, I had limited resources and opportunity due to the biased beliefs of others. Being a book cover model gives me the wonderful chance to express myself and give characters life. The freedom of creativity brings great joy and pride in doing a project like this one.

Being a clinical mental health counseling grad student, I find exploring the darkest parts of the human mind fascinating. Participating in horror book covers allows one to step out of one’s norm, pushing them to let that animal we humans keep in a cage. I find all sides of this concept beautiful and terrifying. Through these projects, I hope to see all sides of the subconscious of ideas flow out in producing nerve-tingling pictures for the viewers’ pleasures. That makes one question the deepest part of one’s character, no?

Why do you love all things horror?

Who doesn’t?! Horror is like the dark subconsciousness of our mind that always wonders, “Could I ever be that evil, vile, bloody and brutal?”

To me it’s like connecting with your alter ego – some being harsher than others – that you’re allowed to let out and to fear of what could be, when we or someone loses control. It makes me feel alive by how it makes my heart race. To be scared is to be alive.

I’ve always been a jumpy person and believe it was my punishment for loving the scare people. It’s a price I must pay, I suppose…

What’s your favorite horror movie and author? Why?

The “Saw” series would have to be my most favorites! This is most likely due to the psychological horror aspect behind it. I have always loved how it took a twist in what I consider to be traditional horror movie form that includes a group of people. I don’t have a favorite author yet, because I just love so many.

How do you feel the horror genre best relates to the LGBT community?

Interesting question… I guess it best relates because our lives themselves are like a horror movie to some extent; there is fear, hurt, blood, death, etc. in the human experience, right? The horrific events that have been taking over in our modern word tie-in to this as well.

And, to be honest, it’s a damn shame there are so few LTBTQ+-genred horror movies and books out there, too. Many LGBTQ+ antagonistic characters in books or movies are terrifyingly absent and to me that is horrifying, too. Why is that?

Similar to a time of witch hunts, our community is driven to shame, suicide, eradication and inner turmoil from the social and cultural norms that have developed based off religious beliefs. If we look back to the past, homosexuality was considered normal human behavior in many cultures.

Religion came into play, with men and armies fighting for power, and it left people who engaged in “abnormal” practices to fend for themselves and be shunned from society’s good graces. They were treated like cattle and seen as not being worthy of life, justice or even safety.

It is possible for social and cultural norms to change over time with the influence of educated, open-minded and reasonable people. I can go on this rant for ages, though…

What do you hope to get out of being a book cover model? Why? How?

I’d like the courage to express the dark side and bring such great characters to life! By using bloody themes and folklore, I hope to feel more comfortable over time. For without darkness there is no light, in between this, creatures shall take flight.

Growing up, what kind of southern folklore or scary story stuck with you the most? Why?

Not many southern folklores buzzed about my family during my upbringing. But growing up having Native American blood in my family, my grandmother would pass down stories. Such stories would be about burial mounds and how they were sacred, and also how the Blood Wolves of the great Native War protect and harm the families of all bloodlines.

One other thing that was prominent in my youth were dream catchers; but dream catchers can be a terrifying spellbinding tool as well, so one must be careful with whom they receive it from. Weaving spells are used in creation of dream catchers, so one’s own subconsciousness can be embedded without the casters knowing. Those are the few that have stuck with me throughout the years.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I want to say thank you for this opportunity and for allowing me to explore myself through such works. This is a wonderful chance to grow and explore while completing what the spice of life really is all about.

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Samuel Rudd Fitness and Beyond

December 21, 2019
by josephafederico

I’d like to introduce my newest client, Samuel Rudd. He is a creative powerhouse, Independent Distributor at Herbalife and owner at Top Seed Lawn and Landscape, LLC. Not to mention, he is an aspiring fitness model.

Just like everyone, he has had ups and downs in life. He continues to learn new things each and every single day in order to assist him in overcoming some hard obstacles that have been thrown his way. He is a firm believer that God offers him difficult tasks, because he knows that he can handle them, and they will turn him into a stronger individual.

Master Rudd has been an Herbalife Distributor for over 8 years and continues to explore valuable information in order to help others understand the basics of nutrition. When it comes down to it, he truly enjoys telling people that Herbalife products are not a “miracle fix” to their health issues. They are more like tools to help fulfill the nutritional gaps we may miss by ingesting a poor diet.

He loves Herbalife products because they are based off the knowledge of cellular nutrition. Rudd has seen tremendous results by using the products himself and wants to help others achieve their desired wellness goals, and be a leader that creates more substantial leaders in the future.

Improving his health helped Samuel gain more confidence in himself, and he connected with new and upcoming photographers that needed to grow their portfolios. And currently, he is more driven to succeed and improve other people’s lives all around.

Ultimately, in the future, Master Rudd would also like to start a microbrewery with his father while growing his client base for his MLM business, and his lawn business, too. Creating good-paying jobs and amazing opportunities for employees to excel in is one of Rudd’s top priorities. He wants to be able to fulfill his dream with the successes that come into his life within the next 5-10 years.

Samuel Rudd is a simple young man with big dreams, and wants to take a bite out of life starting from the inside out, taking one step at a time.

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Healthy Holiday Season

December 12, 2019December 12, 2019
by josephafederico

Holiday seasons are filled with laughter, family gatherings, good food, gift exchanges, and making lasting memories with loved ones. But honestly, holidays are filled with overeating, ruining our daily routines, dealing with over-invited friends and family and spending too much money on gifts. We all like to keep a warm smile and cheerful persona, but deep down, we are all suffering, and we would be glad that we survived the holidays.

I am not writing this for the sake of entertaining you, but bringing real lasting solution to manage holiday stress and keep yourself healthy – mentally, physically, and emotionally. Setting healthy boundaries in budgeting gifts and learning to say “no” (politely) can help your mental health.

If we evaluate our lives, many of our issues are self-inflicting choices. Why not prevent this in the first place? Higher credit card bills during the holidays or feeling obligated to always saying “yes” can be mentally stressful. Our first obligation is to take care of own personal needs, because if we do not take care of our own “self’ properly, we can not help people around us when needed.

With the busy holiday season, our personal routine can be at jeopardy, too. Making sure to eat a balanced meal, supplementing with proper nutrients/vitamins to support our body (ex. taking extra Vitamin D during the winter) getting restful sleep, being active (i.e. yoga, high intensity exercise, indoor/outdoor running, group fitness classes), and avoiding excessive drinking can go a long way for our physical needs. We tend to over-indulge during the holidays, then set goals for the New Year to be active and fit. Let us set a great intention now by building a personal routine that can forge a better outcome for the New Year.

As a pharmacist who specializes in holistic/alternative medicine and phyto-cannabinoid medicine, I would also add cannabidiol (CBD) to this health routine. CBD has been shown to help with inflammation, promote health and well-being, relaxation and immune balance. Who says extra relaxation bad for you?

It’s your call. Make it count.

If you have any questions about vitamins, health, cannabidiol (CBD), please reach out to me anytime at john@robinsondrugshop.com or visit my pharmacy – Robinson Drug & Compounding Center – in Mendham, NJ.

D.H. John Kim, Pharm.D, FAARFM
Owner and Wellness Consultant of Robinson Drug & Compounding Instagram: @dr.john.pharmd

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Potential Social Media Suicide

November 22, 2019November 22, 2019
by josephafederico

Potential Social Media Suicide: My reaction to Arielle Pardes’ “I Am Immeasurable: My Life Online – Without All the Metrics”

I’m sitting here, on my “off” day today – a day after a partner’s holiday party, a long yet productive work week, one where I hustled my ass off to close a contract with an amazing talent – and finally had time to peruse an issue of WIRED…from March 2019!

If you’d read my article from last week, you’d know that yes, I’m still a slow reader. I don’t have as much time as I’d like built into my schedule for creative synapses to get a workout with such activities as reading, or let’s say, for instance, working on (three!) novels. It’s reality, and I have no choice to be alright with that…for now.

I digress…

So, I’m extremely engrossed in the ever-changing world of social media, and am attempting to situate myself as the “Social Media Guy,” that as I began to type this up, I caught myself before I added a slew of pound symbols to words I’d normally identify as keywords on social media platforms. Need more sleep, much?

Jumping right in, I was mortified at first when I began reading an article by Ariel Pardes. Oh Jesus, girl, why would you want to go silent on social media? was my first thought. So, without further ado, I’m going to share a snippet of said piece, then add my two cents to close this thought out.

Pardes boldly starts out by saying, “Social Media is a death carousel, and by the start of the new year, I wanted off. National policy and news stories continued to be steered by the tweets and retweets of @realDonaldTrump. A photo of an egg had surpassed 30 million likes on Instagram. Children were eating laundry detergent and setting themselves on fire in exchange for followers. The phrase ‘late-stage capitalism’ was appearing everywhere.”

I rolled my eyes immediately, but then, similarly to the women in the meme where on one side, she offers a grotesque face, then on the other side, her eyes widen in contemplation, I was suckered in. Okay, missy, what have you got to offer?

First off, Pardes isn’t the first journalist, or even social media manager for that matter, to threaten to leave social for good. From March to this month, now November, social media content has gotten even worse. Starting with laundry detergent (Okay, that was gross…but if it was a marketing stunt, even I have to admit there was something clever there, and those little squares do look tasty… Oh please, as if you hadn’t thought about it before!) to detrimentally expensive political content that’s being questioned daily, social media content is easy to get caught up in and sometimes, is hard to hop off on a high note.

Pardes continues, “So I purged. Not the social media accounts, but the numerical machinery powering them. Likes. Retweets. Views. Followers. Subscribers. The metrics by which the words, photos, videos – what’s known, in toto, as content – are made valuable. I installed a series of browser extensions that promised to leave the content intact but expunge those boldface, sexy, ubiquitous numbers that cluttered and dominated my feeds.”

I’ve been taught, and self-taught, and educated on the fact that content requires to reap likes, retweets, views, followers, and yes, even subscribers. To this day, I tell clients, “It’s not about the numbers, but…it’s about the numbers. You feel me?” Then I proceed to offer explanation on how my team and I plan on attacking an evolved voice and grow a persona from the ground up.

However, there is something so say about the notion of simply sharing content – unfiltered, organic, personal content – for the sake of sharing content…not to get likes, retweets, views, followers, or even a paid partnership. That’s a refreshing idea to mull over, don’t you think? If we simply lived our lives on social the way we so desperately think we live them from day-to-day, we’d be much happier.

But, then how would capitalism work and run its course? The Kardashian-Jenner crews of the world would be nothing, because although I think they, and other celebrities, linked-up with smart managers and run tight business models, there’s no substance once the iron curtain gets peeled back.

And let’s be honest, do we really want to hear blasé opinions and see makeup-less appendages not holding cans of popular beverages? No. The world of social media would fall to ruins within days.

I digress again…

So, Pardes, right… She manages to explain how she dropped the numbers and says, “My guide to denumeration was Benjamin Grosser, an artist and assistant professor of new media at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Grosser builds little UX hacks for liberating Facebook, Twitter and Instagram from the hegemony of hearts, notifications, and follows. Install one of his extensions, log on, and you’ll find the room looks the same – but the curtains and crown molding have disappeared.”

So, is Grosser the “great and powerful” OZ in this situation?

Personally, I don’t buy it. We live for justification. And, admittedly, so do I. We’re too deep down the rabbit hole.

Please like and share this article. It will help me to sleep better tonight.

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Kent Godley Announced as Newest Southern Gothic Book Model

August 7, 2019August 7, 2019
by josephafederico

Kent Godley chosen as Joseph A. Federico’s next book cover model.

Per my last article on Medium, I briefly discussed what I look for in terms of choosing a book cover model, and what I had looked for in the past for Voudou Juice.

Sure, the men that are sought after have to meet certain criterion – all depending upon what “mood” I’m in, mind you – and also, you know, be willing to get creative with the style of photo shoot the theme of the book requires. Plus, they must have a kind heart and able to tell a non-verbal story that will be read by the masses.

I’m always looking for the next model to don a cover, and well, also always being on creative overdrive, I constantly have a new story concept that’s bubbling-up inside of me. There will never NOT be a story inside of me. Now, having the time to write and publish said pieces is another conversation…

The latest project I’ll be working on is a standalone novella, of course, weaving in southern Gothic folklore and duh, Voodoo and Hoodoo traditions. And the man I chose, without giving TOO much away, to don the cover is a sweet southern boy named Kent.

Not only am I honored to be working with such talent, but he and I seem to get along swimmingly, which makes the process all that much easier.

TO ALL THE OTHER YOUNG MEN THAT ARE IN QUEUE TO BE COVER MODELS, i.e. for Voudou Juice: Origins, Voudou Juice: Final Sip, and many, many others, don’t fret…your time is coming and I have NOT forgotten about you.

So, with that said and without further adieu, I’d love to finally introduce you to Kent Godley. Here’s his story…

“Hello World, My name is Kent Godley, and I am an aspiring musician/artist. I grew up in a small rural town (Smoaks), located in South Carolina. As of 2019, the population is literally between 100-150 residents. There is a whole lot of nothing to do here, and I would only suggest you retire in these here parts.

“Just like everywhere else, there are good and bad aspects of a hometown. And I will most definitely start with the good. There is more than enough peace and quiet with (some) beautiful southern scenery. You will, more than likely, see people riding four wheelers to get where they need to go.

“People often wave at each other not knowing who the other one is. Southern hospitality would be considered “rich” in small towns, but especially in mine. The downfall to living in such a small town can be linked together for many reasons, though.

“The closest major city would be over an hour away. One must travel almost thirty minutes to get groceries and so on. All in all, I would say that I enjoy living in rural town, but there just isn’t any opportunity for me here.

“I grew up listening to country music, partying at bonfires with friends and family, and waking up before the sun had risen to go fishing. The smell of Barbecue and beer would fill the air of many residents’ homes after hunters would come home to their wives/significant others. Children would gather together and play until the moon shined bright. Grandmothers would be whipping up Sunday lunch with aromas of fried chicken, freshly brewed sweet tea and cakes for days. I often still participate in outings like those mentioned, and will always cherish them. However, there needs to be a lifestyle change sometime, right?

“As told by my family, I was a ‘mess’ growing up. I had so much energy with many aspirations as a child, and quite a bit changed once I began school. I was called “gay,” not even knowing what that fully meant. I even “dated” a few girls from middle to high school.

“As time passed, I came to realize exactly what “gay” specifically meant to me. I developed a ‘closeted’ liking to the same sex with no one I thought was even remotely attractive at my high school. I was never really confronted about my sexuality, bullied, or teased because of it.

“I have always been the type of person that will tell you or reveal what I think you should know about me, if necessary. I personally do not think one’s sexuality is more important than what they have to offer as an individual.

“So, after my high school graduation, I indirectly came out as “gay” thanks to an ex-girlfriend. She was, supposedly, upset at me for breaking up with her. We’ve all been there, right? Right?

“My world was definitely shaken up, but I survived the blow just as I have survived events in my past. Some of my family members had a difficult time accepting the fact that I turned out gay, and some still cannot accept it. I have reached a point in my life where I no longer feel the need to explain myself. And my sexuality is definitely a part of it all. It’s MY story.

“Southern Tradition has ‘taught’ me many things by just simply observing. Isn’t that what people do when they aren’t the center of attention? They observe at family gatherings, weddings, funerals and so forth in many different settings. All of those events I mentioned are for the living.

“And with that said, and with every experience lived, there will forever be three sides to a story; my side, your side, and the cold, hard truth. I would like to uncover past, present and future LGBTQ+ stories that are southern in nature, based on encompassing love to those who need it the most.

“While working with Joseph on this specific project, I feel the possibilities are endless. Not everyone is as fortunate as the next, nor as smart or privileged. I would like to project my image in the form of a spiritual hologram to create a manifesto for those who are strong enough to know the truth.”

To learn more about Kent, his character or the upcoming southern Gothic thriller, you may message me here.

Happy haunting, y’all, and I’ll see you on the other side.

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Garrett Hnatiuk: the actor on a mission

July 30, 2019July 30, 2019
by josephafederico

Howdy, cowboy. World, meet Garrett Hnatiuk.

Garrett Hnatiuk. You’ve heard of him. He’s a fluid, masculinity-breaking badass who’s looking for his next artistic role. Oh, and you’ve seen him on “Slasher” season 3. Without further ado, I’d love introduce you to a beautiful soul.

Joseph A. Federico: You portray strong male figures in the work you’ve done to-date, right? How are you breaking stereotypes and ideals on masculinity moving forward?

Garrett Hnatiuk: Masculinity is funny. I grew up in a town where you had to wear this kind of shit like armour. It took a lot of re-socialization for me to realize the dangers of what toxic masculinity can amount to, often without the person even realizing it. So, to me, as a pretty fluid person, masculinity became redefined.

When you wear it like armour, it weighs you down. So. when it comes to character choices, I think naturally they become imbued with a sort of looseness, a freedom. I like fucking with masculine characters, making choices that show the complexities of how the character interprets their actions.

Kind of off topic, but kind of on topic at the same time, I also love villains and watching how actors choose to portray villains. It can get so complex and I think that’s what is interesting to watch. Look at the film “Get Out” All around, I thought it was so well done, but the choices made by the actors was so fucking interesting. The young, white brother, Caleb Landry Jones!? Fuck, he was creepy, but his choices were so engaging.

JAF: There’s a strong resemblance to Johnny Depp and Kurt Cobain in your style. Is that what you originally set out to emulate when you broke into acting or was it by chance? Do you reflect on their lives as an influence in how you live yours?

GH: Indeed, and I hear this often! I don’t quite try to emulate any of these people, though I love Kurt and Johnny so hard. But, I think a lot of artists are influenced by the works of people they grew up watching. It kinda seeps into your DNA if that makes sense.

And I’m a serious ‘90s kid. What feels right and looks right becomes kind of synonymous with them and their work. I also love mashing styles: Marilyn Manson with River Phoenix, or flower pixie with acid death cults. I think it’s important not to try to exist as a reproduction of another artist, though. Sometimes, it just happens naturally, but you really have to stay true to your individuality. That’s what’s most defining.

JAF: Speaking of acting, you broke into the industry by accident, right?

GH: Yeah, I studied at the university of Manitoba in Winnipeg, where I grew up. I studied psychology for a whole bunch of years and did some pretty serious research work…all while taking film course electives! And they changed me, goddamn.

I met some ridiculously talented and bizarre film gurus in Winnipeg (Guy Maddin and George Toles) and they laid the foundations of the art for me. Guy Maddin was interested in casting me for this tiny role in his film “Keyhole,” and I said yes, of course. I had to go through a lot of union stuff from there, but soon, I started going out for more roles; somehow, I booked a few of them.

I started to get a more visceral taste of the film world and I fell in love. There are so many wheels turning on every set, and to create the magic that comes from all the moving parts is the most beautiful thing in the world, I think.

JAF: Dish a bit about your character on Netflix’s “Slasher,” season 3. Are you still in touch with fellow cast members, such as Robert Cormier?

GH: I got to play such an absurd character in the third season. I basically act as a ploy to establish Cassidy’s promiscuous personality. We have a real intense sex scene, and then after, I basically confess my undying love, she reveals her real age and “motivations.” Then, I get in a tiff with her Nazi-loving dad and shortly book it out of there.

It was great working Genevieve DeGraves (Cassidy); she’s exceptionally talented. She’s so cool.

And Dean McDermott was like one of the most engaging people to work a scene with. He would improvise lines with me, which left me having to be spontaneous with the moments. That’s how really creative acting works, I think.

I also originally auditioned for the character, Kit, which would have been the biggest trip to play. He’s this bisexual, drug-addled punk dude that’s all fucked up most the time. I worked so hard on it, but in the, end Robert Cormier got it.

He does a damn incredible job, too. I think he really captures the nature of this wild card character. “Slasher” is neat in the way that they re-use characters from every season to the next, but in completely differing roles. One season, you’ll be a villain, and in the next, you’re a saint. If they continue the series, I’d love to see what I would come back as.

JAF: What’s on deck for the famed Mr. Hnatiuk? Acting-wise and beyond…

GH: As of next, I’m just looking at pushing my boundaries…involving myself in projects that challenge me. I’ve really gotten into the photography medium or at least working with different photographers. You can do so much with an image, create fantastic characters.

I met this lovely woman at a party, and she wanted to adorn me in flowers, so I said yeah, let’s make something weird with it.

Before that, this artistic director asked to lather me in drag and traverse the inner working of my psyche, so we shot that.

I’m also in the very early stages of production for a short film I’m looking at taking on. It’s a desperate and gritty venture into street kid culture and prostitution in a downtown metropolis. I’m looking to cast and work with a variety of the LGBT community, whom have faced the challenges of growing up in such a way and how they navigate their family relationships. Eventually, I would love to push this into feature length.

In general, I am open to working with like frequencies, with people that want to create art that challenges. As an artist, this is what I want to invest myself in.

For more information on Garrett or to book him, click here for his IMDB page and here for his demo reel.

If you’d like to participate in an interview with Joseph A. Federico, click here.

Into horror? It’s time for “American Horror Story: 1984.” Read more…

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Do You Voudou?

June 12, 2019June 12, 2019
by josephafederico

Which city inspired you to write your first novel?

I’m a self-taught writer. Nobody trained me, I never took a professional class and I didn’t even go to school for it. Here I am, 36, and being compared to Anne Rice all these years later. Just wow. Do you know how humbling that is?

My boyfriend and I co-wrote our first book together back in 2011, the year
IMAGES OF AMERICA: GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP (now available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble) was published by Arcadia Publishing. It took approximately two years to conduct research and submit a manuscript, then we spent another two years after the publication date on a press tour.

We didn’t write the historical nonfiction coffee table book to make our first million – hell no – not in today’s economy – but rather to learn about a lost city and deeply connect with a community. And that’s exactly what happened, and it was oh-so-rewarding. Still is to this day, to be honest.
And with that said, that’s originally what led me starting on my trek to historical preservation and educating myself on local folklore…namely in America’s south.

Ah, the southland. I tell readers and fans that my inspiration for VOUDOU JUICE began when I was basking on the shores of Myrtle Beach back in 2012, and I just so happened to be drinking a mixed cocktail of the same name when the characters started talking to me.

Yes, that happens to writers once in awhile, and when inspiration beckons, you ride that wave for as long as you can and get a few good pages of prose down on paper.

So, the book I was writing was a summer project and I broke out the handwritten manuscript once every few weeks or when the mood felt right. It wasn’t often, trust me. Not until I went to New Orleans in 2014 with my best friend.

One visit to Oz – one of the best nightclubs off Bourbon Street – and the story I thought I wanted to tell took on an evolved life of itself. New characters were born out of a drunken stupor, as Go-Go Boys in skimpy outfits pranced around my being and the hardcore thumpa pulsed through my chest.

I went home three-and-a-half days later, and wrote my ass off. I prayed the experiences I lived in the Crescent City wouldn’t soon be forgotten, so I could weave them into my book. The pen was on fire and my inspiration carried me through.

2017, April 13th to be exact, was when VOUDOU JUICE was officially released to the general public. The amount of pride I felt, like a father who’s partner had just given birth to a healthy baby, was beyond compare.
Furthermore, sure I was happy and proud of myself, but I had fallen into a slight depression. I was hurt and sad that my characters were no longer mine, that I’d no longer have deep conversations with these beings I created out of nothingness.

Another trip to New Orleans was in order. ASAP. Let’s go, drink and be merry. So, with my best friend who’d showed me around the city in 2014, off I went, back to my beloved Big Easy.

The trip would be longer than a week this time around, and there was more anticipated intrigue around every corner.

After my book signing at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter, I’d gone out to celebrate…for several hours. Around 6pm CST, a lovely young man picked us up via Uber.

He was a doll, spewing off local ghost stories he’d heard over the years, and making us laugh. Then he suddenly began telling us about the Old French Opera House…the location of the now-Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter. Say what?

“So, you had a book signing?” the gentleman asked. Excited and still riding the high of the event, I was only too happy to discuss it. “Yes,” I replied…nervous. The Uber driver then explained that a fire had broken out at the Opera House in 1919, after a rehearsal of “Carmen.” On December 4th, the Creole mecca had been burned to the ground. And where did the fire start, you ask? Right at the exact location I had my book signing, by the concierge station.

Little did I know how frighteningly haunted that place was, and how lucky I’d been to host my book signing in that location, caked in dark history.
My best friend turned to me in disbelief as my unhinged jaw returned to my top lip. She smacked me with delight and said, very slowly, “That’s it, babe. That’s the story you came here to get. You have to write that in your new book.”

And write I will. That cab ride back from Magazine Street will forever haunt me in the most beautiful way. And I will weave that ghost story into VOUDOU JUICE: ORIGINS…a followup to my breakout novella.

I’m looking at a 2020 launch date, as it’s naturally set in 1920s New Orleans. My heart never will quite be the same after visiting that crazy little city, and I’m sure it will flutter in different ways after my next visit, too.

VOUDOU JUICE is on sale for $18.00. You may purchase a copy by calling (973) 289-3517; online ordering options available soon. Head to JosephAFederico.com for further details.

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Fitness Guru Kyle Wells

June 4, 2019June 4, 2019
by josephafederico

Hi, I’m Kyle Wells.

As soon as I was born, I was carted off to an incubator for the first two weeks of my life. I was born without my esophagus connected to my stomach, a weak left lung weak left lung, not to mention being bow-legged and pigeon-toed for my formative years. I wore corrective shoes and a brace between my legs every night before I went to bed until I was 4, and I was on a nebulizer until I was 5. My parents used to have to flush out the built-up mucus in my sinuses. Ew.

Needless to say, nobody was calling me the next Jerry Lewis, and even as a kid, I innately knew that. Physical activity was a challenge growing up, but I was a headstrong little bastard. It was especially tough for my parents to tell their child that he might not be able to keep up with the other kids because one of his lungs couldn’t pump oxygen to the heart the way it should, or that he wouldn’t be able to run like the other kids because of the shape of his legs. So, instead they didn’t, and that decision molded my life.

Physicality became a challenge for me – if a friend ran faster than me, then I was going to train until I was faster. If my cousin was flexible, I’d learn to contort myself as well as she could. If my older brother was doing a backflip on a trampoline, then I was going for a double backflip. It’s amazing what insecurity can do even as a child (or perhaps especially as a child).

The strength, the body control and the manipulation of gymnastics became an obsession throughout my childhood. By the time I was 11, I was the men’s state gymnastics champion in my state, Kansas, two years running and in the top 5 in a 6-state region. I took this tenacity and work effort to all facets of my life throughout my childhood and early adulthood. But adulthood loomed large, and I conformed to what was expected of me.

I felt the need to be what other people defied as success. I studied Business Administration in Spain, where I did everything from intern at the US Embassy to help found my university’s student government body. It was a long 6 years after graduating that I realized marketing, while interesting, wasn’t my passion, and it was time to get back to my passion.

Fitness has always been an interest of mine, but overcoming physical obstacles is really what drives me. I’m in it for that visceral, life-changing feeling – that feeling when a client avoids knee surgery through properly engaging in exercise. I’m in it for the client that realizes at the end of her first 5k that this is only the first of many walls to break through. I’m in it to help reverse the bone density decline that causes my clients’ joint pain. I’m in it for the client that realizes age is only a number.

That passion for transformative fitness is what pushes me as a trainer, and coupling that with education, I understand how to transfer that passion onto others. Through my nationally accredited person training certification, as well as other specific certifications and specialties in Myofascial Release, functional fitness, injury prevention, athletic training, and studying to become a physical therapist, I have helped empower countless clients to take back control of their bodies. The body controls the mind as much as the mind controls the body. Fitness goes far beyond muscles, sets and reps; fitness is a life of transformation and growth both mentally and physically. It is nature at its finest, and I am happy to be a part of that.

Care to learn more about Kyle Wells or want to be featured on this website next? Click here to contact Joseph A. Federico.

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Back Room NYC

May 22, 2019May 23, 2019
by josephafederico

Through a decrepit gate and down a true New York City alleyway, lies one of the city’s best kept secrets. But, you need a password to get in, otherwise the man at the door may mistake you for a grimy barrel buster. And you better be ready to drink like gangsters and flappers did in the Roaring Twenties.

Be prepared to get blown away the second you step through a thick Jazz Age door with a peephole in the center of it. Your eyes will adjust, trust me, and the music will carry you into a sweet, deep dream of days gone by. You’re at The Back Room. Go order a cocktail.

I had the pleasure of being invited to one of two original Prohibition-era speakeasies in Manhattan, on the Lower East Side, by the bar’s Event Coordinator, Megan. And what a show they put on! Megan, for one, was a gracious hostess, and the bartenders, namely Alex, had a steady hand and creative sense of mixology.

I’ll get to the meat and potatoes in a few minutes, but let’s start with the good stuff, first…the hooch. The Back Room serves cocktails in white cups and saucers and its beer in paper bags, just as they would have back in Lucky Luciano‘s day (one infamous gangster who frequented the space). Alex, our bartender, said, “Our cocktails are creative mixes based off of original ’20s drinks.” They were just strong enough that should you have 3 or 4, you’ll be half in the bag, doing “The Charleston” down the road, attempting to catch your Uber.

I also asked Alex if The Back Room had ever really been raided back in its heyday, and how the barkeepers managed to rid the location of any traces of alcohol. He gave me a definitive, “Yes!” and proceeded to say that the bar used to have holes underneath each bottle of booze. Once word got out The Back Room (once a part of Ratner’s) was under attack, a bartender would manage a contraption, allowing the hooch to drop into the New York City sewer system. The bar had a room in the cellar that housed backup alcohol for the following night’s happenings. And that was that.

Now, as promised, here are your meat and potatoes… an exclusive interview with The Back Room’s Event Coordinator, Megan:

Tell us about how you became the bar’s Event Coordinator:

I have been working for The Back Room since we opened (as The Back Room) in September 2005! I originally started here as a cocktail waitress. I resonated with the owner, manager, staff and space right away.

The owner, John Barounis, is very old school. Over time, he saw that I was responsible, organized and bossy, so he gave me more and more responsibilities. He eventually offered me the position of Event Coordinator, along with the titles of Manager and Daily Operations.

How long have the current owners actually owned the bar?

Since September 2005. The first event we had was a Pearl Jam party. That was our opening night!

This is an odd question, but have you been witness to or heard of any hauntings at the bar?

Oh yes! We have a few spirits in the lounge. There is a women who hangs out by the mirrors in the women’s bathroom.

We also have a not-so-nice older gentleman. Some of the more superstitious bartenders would leave a shot of scotch for him before he/she left for the night.

One of the earlier managers used to burn sage!

And every once in awhile, you catch a view of something in the mirror or something falls down for no reason. The lights are ALWAYS doing strange things. But, I think that the spirits must be fond of me, because they leave me alone.

What’s the most interesting fact you’ve learned about the bar since you’ve started working there? Anything related to its infamous patrons?

Meyer Lansky used to use the back of Ratner’s, which is now The Back Room, to host his “business” meetings.

Speaking of its past, tell us more about when Bugsy Siegel, Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky ran amuck. What did they like to drink?

Alcohol was illegal during Prohibition. They were drinking coffee!

We’re approaching 2020. Anything big planned for the bar?

There are always surprises. I’m sure something big will happen. But, they are often last minute or without a lot of notice.

We hosted U2, Adele, Robert Plant and Paul McCartney for events. In every case, I had about a month or less to plan! That’s part of the fun of working in the space.

But mostly, we will continue to provide all of our customers with excellent customer service in a beautiful location with a fun, speakeasy vibe.

What are some major upcoming events our readers should know more about?

We have will continue to host our Monday night jazz nights. We have hosted this event continuously, every Monday, for the last seven years! Svetlana and The Delancey Five are our in-house band.

And The Delancey Five did NOT disappoint! That night, approximately a week ago when I attended the event, The Back Room had special guest, Edith Hazel, as the front woman. Her sweet, deep, and sultry voice rang true, similar to that of a Prohibition-era starlet’s. The girl can sing.

Have you attended New York City’s The Back Room? Strap on those spats and slick your hair, because boy, oh boy, are you in for a swingin’ time!

(photographic credit: Troy Hahn)

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Miss Kenishia Green the Actress

May 15, 2019May 15, 2019
by josephafederico

Kenishia Green was born on August 19th, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and later came to the United States at the age of 10. While attending high school in Reading, Pennsylvania, she developed a love for performing. She later went on to study acting and directing at DeSales University, where she graduated, and eventually went on to pursue her craft in New York City.

Since relocating to the big city, Kenishia has been the host of the highly popular New York music television show, “Video City TV” for the past three years. She has had key acting roles in Shilo Media’s “South Brooklyn”(Bounce TV), “Money and Violence” (TIDAL), “Brain Games” (Discovery Channel), “Deadly Devotion” (Discovery Channel), and “Unfaithful” (OWN).

Kenishia’s current work includes the Bollywood Psychological Thriller, “Mirror Game,” which is streaming on NETFLIX. She also plays Melody in the upcoming true crime murder story, “Wisper,” set to hit festivals and other media outlets. She is also blessed to be portraying Belinda Ali in the Chuck Wepner Biopic, “Brawlers.” Both will be released in theaters in 2019.

Her current role is portraying Gabrielle, on the popular digital Series, “Situationships,” which is currently streaming on the large platform, BET.COM. She’s a supporting lead in Byamhouse stage production, “Will I Ever Get Married,” which showcased at the Dempsey Theater in Harlem, and is scheduled to hit the stage again, in Hyattsville, Maryland this spring. She has several short films and projects geared up to release for 2019.

For questions regarding Ms. Green’s roles or to be featured, click here.