Vox Celeste

Comic/writer, Celeste "Chocolate Milf" Jennings sits down every week with comedians who are, have and had parents.

Vox Celeste- True Crime Series: Conversations with Madea 05/16/2023

Vox Celeste- True Crime Series: Conversations with Madea After 21 years, a TikTok and encouragement from my 13-year-old kid later, I unearthed a failed documentary project, Conversations with Madea, a series profiling women convicted of killing their children. During the development of this documentary, I corresponded with several women who were serving time for infanticide as well as their families (in some cases their surviving children), attorneys and friends. The first mother in this series is Khoua Her, a Hmong refugee living in the Twin Cities who took the lives of her six children. In this pilot episode I discuss Khoua’s life story, the events leading up to the deaths of her children by her own hands and our first conversation. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/26851068

Episode 108 - Barbara Holliday: Comedy to Go 12/13/2021

Episode 108 - Barbara Holliday: Comedy to Go The second in a two-part interview series, “The Owners: The Business of Show Business,” profiles Barbara Holliday, co-owner of Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, California. We talk about what it takes to make it and stay in the business and how they survived the pandemic lockdowns. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/21473090

Episode 107 - Al Martin: The Battle Axe 12/08/2021

Episode 107 - Al Martin: The Battle Axe The first in a two-part interview series, “The Owners: The Business of Show Business,” profiles comedy club owners; Al Martin of Broadway Comedy and Greenwich Comedy Clubs and Barbara Holliday, co-owner of Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, California. Both these comedy veterans join Vox Celeste, offering invaluable advice to aspiring comedians: what it takes to make it and stay in the business and how they survived the pandemic lockdowns. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/21416996

Episode 106 - John Fugelsang 11/08/2021

Episode 106 - John Fugelsang John Fugelsang has been a politically and socially relevant figure for decades; from his time at VH-1 to his current gig on Sirius XM, host of “Tell Me Everything.” The very outspoken, Fugelsang joins Vox Celeste telling us everything about his thoughts on modern-day Christianity to “cancel culture.” /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/21063224

Episode 105 - Maryssa Smith: The Low-key Diva 10/06/2021

Episode 105 - Maryssa Smith: The Low-key Diva Maryssa's successful Fashionably Funny comedy show ran for years at New York City’s Broadway Comedy club, in the before times. Smith joins Vox Celeste discussing the trauma of growing up as a NYPD detective’s daughter, navigating Catholic high school bitches and comedy after Covid. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/20726720

Episode 104 - Andrew Kelly: Attempted Murderer 09/28/2021

Episode 104 - Andrew Kelly: Attempted Murderer Colorful and unpolitically correct, Andrew Kelly looks and sounds as if he could be a bookie at a dive bar in Hell’s Kitchen not portraying historical figures in movies and television. Kelly joins Vox Celeste to discuss how he turned his “failed” comedy career into acting-gold; sobriety and fighting cancer. (And the time he called the cops to report a murder, his). /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/20630222

Episode 103 - Del Harrison: All is Del with My Soul 09/21/2021

Episode 103 - Del Harrison: All is Del with My Soul Del is best described as everyone’s favorite fun-loving, funky, spiritual godmother. This delightfully, talented comedian, actress and singer is a fan favorite in, internet sensations, Bigg Jah and Minks productions playing various characters from cougar to holy roller. She joins Vox Celeste discussing how the pandemic renewed her faith. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/20544455

Episode 102 - Todd Montesi: The Topless Redux 08/02/2021

Episode 102 - Todd Montesi: The Topless Redux If hard work indeed paid off in comedy, then no doubt, returning guest, Todd Montesi would be the king of comedy. Montesi is, hands down, one of the most prolific content creators in the New York City comedy scene. His critically acclaimed, web series, “PN and Friends” has featured the likes of Anthony Scaramucci, Rachael Doziel and Roger Stone. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/20009276

Episode 101 - JL Cauvin: Trumped 07/27/2021

Episode 101 - JL Cauvin: Trumped This week on Vox Celeste we are joined by comedian and master impressionist, JL Cauvin. Half-Hatian, half-Irish, but one hundred-percent Catholic, JL opens up about his faith and the burdens that come along with being passé blanc. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/19946474

Episode 100 - Nicky Sunshine: Pandemic Mama 05/27/2021

Episode 100 - Nicky Sunshine: Pandemic Mama The first time actor and comedian, Nicky Sunshine (FYI Network) joined Vox Celeste she was a stepmother of two and uncertain if she wanted to become a mother herself. Two-and-a-half-years and a pandemic later, Nicky is now a mother of a newborn boy. We discuss her devastating medical postpartum experience and her hopes, dreams and fears of raising her Black son in a hostile America. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/19257605

Episode 99 - Perry Strong- The Reset Button 03/30/2021

Episode 99 - Perry Strong- The Reset Button Filmmaker, comedian, actor, Perry Strong (180 Seconds and 2 Comics on a Bench, Power) attended 22 schools throughout his childhood, shuttling from one home to another. After years of engaging in self-destructive behavior, Strong found sobriety and just as his life was turning around, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Perry joins Vox Celeste discussing the value of resetting your life. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/18537344

Episode 98 - Tanya Rochester Cooper: Trigger Warning 02/17/2021

Episode 98 - Tanya Rochester Cooper: Trigger Warning Born to a drug addicted mother, Tanya spent her childhood in foster care suffering unspeakable horrors. Cooper, however, made the proverbial lemonade from her experiences and has dedicated her life to bettering the lives of foster kids, through her organization Foster Kids Unite. Everything life has thrown at her she’s thrown right back and even harder. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/17985308

Episode 97 - Peter Jallah: Full Circle 02/09/2021

Episode 97 - Peter Jallah: Full Circle Liberian by birth, American raised, Peter Jallah has been met with much success in and out of the world of comedy. One of the driving forces behind Blacktag Media, a Black owned, Black content driven, social media platform, Jallah shares his sobering take on racism in social media venture capitalism, “If the Clubhouse was presented by Black people, it would have never been funded. Now you think it’s (Clubhouse) only for Black people” Host: Celeste Joseph Jennings Sound Engineer: Adam Hiniker Music: Matt Da Godfatha “Burn it Down” /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/17884982

Episode 96 - Guidian 01/28/2021

Episode 96 - Guidian Kunal “KC” Aurora (The Unmovers) is a self-described Guidian (part guido, part Indian). Growing up in Queens, according to Aurora everyone becomes a little Italian. He joins Vox Celeste to discuss his comedy and why growing up in New York City ages you more than booze and cigarettes. Host: Celeste Joseph Jennings Sound Engineer: Adam Hiniker Music: Mat Da Godfatha "Burn it Down" /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/17727077

Episode 95 - Zygy Susser: Uncle Zygy Needs Improvement 12/15/2020

Episode 95 - Zygy Susser: Uncle Zygy Needs Improvement For Zygy Susser (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) being average and unambitious is a source of pride, except when it comes to comedy. Susser joins Vox Celeste to discuss his failings as a NYC teacher and shares his tips on potty training birds. Sound Engineer: Adam Hiniker Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down” Mat Da God Fatha /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/17197310

Episode 94 - Don't Let the Old Woman In 12/03/2020

Episode 94 - Don't Let the Old Woman In Natalie K. Levant is a pint-sized force of nature that no one can nor should attempt to reckon with. Rocking her signature sequin green cowboy boots, Rod Stewart tank tops and Manic Panic purple hair- Levant ain't like the other grandmas- thank God!. Starting her comedy career seven years ago, at the age of 81, Levant has made a name for herself both in her hometown of Philadelphia and abroad. She joins Vox Celeste discussing the impact of the pandemic on her comedy career and when age isn't just a number when it puts you in a high-risk group. Music: " Burn it Down" Mat Da Godfatha Engineer: Adam Hiniker Recorded at Cedar Closet Studios /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/17056556

Episode 93 - D!@#s and Blunts: Christiana Jackson 09/19/2020

Episode 93 - D!@#s and Blunts: Christiana Jackson While some folks mark time in calendar years, Christiana Jackson marks time in dicks. Christiana joins Vox Celeste to discuss life growing up with a Black mother and a bi-polar white step-father, in a hic New Jersey town and why every straight woman needs a Latino lover. Cedar Closet Productions Music: “Burn it Down” Mat Da Godfatha /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/16070336

Episode 92 - Let it Glo: Glo Butler 09/08/2020

Episode 92 - Let it Glo: Glo Butler Glo Butler has made a name for herself in the New York City, LGBQT comedy scene as both a comedian and a producer of the very popular Glo in the City stand-up comedy show. Glo in the City is one of the few stand-up comedy shows that serve both LGBQT comedians and audiences of color. If the pandemic is the proverbial monkey- it hasn’t stopped her show. Glo in the City is still serving laughs to Brooklynites in these uncertain times. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/15922358

Episode 91 - The Babe From Boston: Zenobia Del Mar 09/02/2020

Episode 91 - The Babe From Boston: Zenobia Del Mar You may not like what Zenobia has to say, but I can assure you- she really doesn’t give a shit. I mean she really doesn’t, as you will hear on her recent comedy album, “Reckless With the Truth.” Del Mar joins Vox Celeste opening up about managing her mental health and the wonders of CBD. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/15848363

Episode 90 - Noam of the Round Table: Noam Dworman 08/25/2020

Episode 90 - Noam of the Round Table: Noam Dworman For many aspiring comedians, getting passed at The Comedy Cellar or “The Cellar," is akin to getting the keys to comedy heaven. There aren’t many clubs in New York City where one could be bumped for a drop-in by Dave Chappelle. And it is because of these big name drop-ins is why the lines for his clubs, in the pre-Covid era, snaked around the block. Noam joins Vox Celeste to discuss the future of live stand-up comedy, why New York City will never die and the writings of Fredrick Douglass. /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/15748991

Episode 89 - Dante Nero: The Dean of Man School 07/16/2020

Episode 89 - Dante Nero: The Dean of Man School Dante Nero (Man School) host of the popular Beige Phillip Podcast, Dante Nero is a relationship guru. Sometimes it’s not the advice you want to hear but for many it’s the advice you need. Recorded: Comic Strip Live Music: Mat Da God Fatha “Burn it Down" /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/15237242

Episode 88 - Victor Varnado: Of Cats and Farts 07/10/2020

Episode 88 - Victor Varnado: Of Cats and Farts Lost Episode: Last episode recorded in the World Famous Comic Strip Live. Comedian, cartoonist, and producer Victor Varnardo joins Vox Celeste to talk about the love his life and the time he discovered he had a 14th sibling. Recorded: Comic Strip Live Music: Mat Da God Fatha “Burn it Down" /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/15160934

Episode 87 - Roxxy Haze: Cos She Can 06/08/2020

Episode 87 - Roxxy Haze: Cos She Can Cos playing, Texas vixen and self-described blerd, Roxxy Haze (Bedtime Bitchin’ with Roxxy Haze) was an accomplished YouTuber with a devoted fanbase before stand-up comedy. A mother at the age of 19, Roxxy confesses her and now her tween daughter are growing up together. Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,” Mat Da Godfatha /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/14740373

Episode 86 - Marilee: Seven Good Eggs 06/04/2020

Episode 86 - Marilee: Seven Good Eggs Unapologetically, fabulous and sexy Marilee (Comedy Central) is a tour de force in the Chicago comedy scene. Recognized by Mo’Nique as a comic to watch- Marilee has every right to declare herself the best female comic in the Windy City. Marilee joins Vox Celeste- talking astrology; her desire to find love and fertilizing one of her seven good eggs. Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,” Mat Da Godfatha /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/14701865

Episode 85 - Lindsey Jenningz: Weirdo 06/02/2020

Episode 85 - Lindsey Jenningz: Weirdo Lindsey Jenningz‘s (Suicide Girls, Roast Battle) can do a one-handed cartwheel while holding a full glass of wine without spilling a drop. Lindsey joins Vox Celeste to talk about how the Suicide Girls launched her comedy career; the inherent sexism of school dress codes and why she doesn’t have daddy issues. Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,” Mat Da Godfatha /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/14591099

Episode 84 - Sherrod Small: His Big Small World 05/28/2020

Episode 84 - Sherrod Small: His Big Small World Some comics become comedians in an attempt to heal childhood wounds. For Sherrod Small (Comedy Central, Race Wars Podcast, Small Ball) it was an epic night out with his cousin, Chris Rock. Sherrod joins Vox Celeste to talk about fatherhood; hanging out with Biggie in high school; his friendship with Ann Coulter and comedy after Covid-19. Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,” Mat Da Godfatha /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/14591045

Episode 83 - Showing Up: Ashley Austin Morris 05/18/2020

Episode 83 - Showing Up: Ashley Austin Morris If there is one thing Ashley Austin Morris (Electric Company) learned from being a daughter of a missionary it is to- show up- even if you don’t want to- just show up. Whether it’s on the set, on stage or volunteering- she shows up, even if she doesn’t want to. Recorded: Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,” Mat Da Godfatha /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/14470424

Episode 82 - Mr. Must See: Kareem Green 05/15/2020

Episode 82 - Mr. Must See: Kareem Green There isn’t a stage Kareem Green (Def Jam Comedy, Showtime at the Apollo) doesn’t own. Unapologetic and far from politically correct, Kareem joins Vox Celeste to discuss his experiences growing-up in foster care and the time he got choked out on stage. Recorded at Cedar Closet Studios Music: “Burn it Down,” Mat Da Godfatha /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/14428037

Episode 81 - King Montesi: Todd Montesi 05/11/2020

Episode 81 - King Montesi: Todd Montesi Todd Montesi (Crashing) is undoubtedly the uncrowned king of New York’s underground comedy scene. His UG Comedy shows have been a mainstay in the lower east side for well over a decade. Todd’s web series “PN and Friends” is an off-beat, satire about pro wrestling has garnered critical acclaim. One of the most tenacious guys in the business, Todd never stops creating because “what else am I going to do.” This week my co-host is Victor Varnado. Recorded: Comic Strip Live on 3/11/20 Music: “Burn it Down,” Mat Da Godfatha /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/14376797

Episode 80 - Powering Lifting Through: Justin Covington 05/08/2020

Episode 80 - Powering Lifting Through: Justin Covington Justin Covington (Netflix), diagnosed with a spinal cord injury at the age of two; growing up with a terminally ill father and his battle with obesity were just a few obstacles life threw his way. Justin joins Vox Celeste sharing his nightmarish Thanksgiving coming-out story and how weight-lifting became his spiritual and physical salvation. Recorded: Comic Strip Live on 3/4/20 Music: “Burn it Down”, Mat Da Godfatha /episode/index/show/voxceleste/id/14345501

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