Mark Susnow, JD, knows change. He is a recognized thought leader, wisdom teacher, author and life coach, who inspires others to believe in themselves and to envision possibilities, not yet considered. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring talks on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message. A former trial attorney and musician for 25 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. In his former career he was covered by The New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, Boston Globe and The San Francisco Chronicle.

He is the author of Dancing on the River: Navigating Life’s Changes and the soon to be released the Soul of Possibility which is considered to be a fable for our times….and he is the host of the Inspire Possibility Show.

Jasmine Brett Stringer is principal of JB Stringer LLC and founder of the internationally recognized lifestyle brand Carpe Diem with Jasmine. She has more than 15 years of business-to-business sales and customer marketing experience. She is highly skilled in business development, customer relationship management, and social media. Jasmine and JB Stringer LLC have worked with several Fortune 500 companies such as Kraft Foods, General Mills, Box Tops for Education, Toyota, Fox Searchlight, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN TV) and Publicis Groupe on various initiatives and campaigns.

As a nationally recognized and sought-after lifestyle expert, Jasmine has been featured on a variety of media outlets. She is a weekly lifestyle contributor to local CBS television station WCCO-TV. She has also contributed to the nationally syndicated television show The Insider, Yahoo and MSN and featured on OWN TV. Her southern belle charm is not limited to the screen; Jasmine teaches others to seize their life as a regular contributor for the Huffington Post and within her own lifestyle blog.

KARLA LOPEZ

Karla Lopez, Instructional Specialist & School Coordinator at Wonderland Ave. Elementary school in Los Angeles California. It is there where her passion for supporting the social-emotional needs of students became a focus in her career. Her work with students, parents, and teachers through the Way of Council program in schools increased and as part of the Way of Council Leadership Committee Mrs. Lopez worked with the community to develop the “Peace Talk Protocol”, Peaceful Warrior Assemblies, Wisdom Councils, Social-Emotional Curriculum for the classroom, she also started a student leadership group whose focus is to develop student-led assemblies that address conflict resolution, peace, being social activists, and identify problems in their community and how to solve them.

Mrs. Lopez has an equal passion for instruction and curriculum development. She has been a part of the Instructional Leadership Team at Wonderland Elementary for seven years and has been an integral part of the decision-making process as well as implementation and instructional development team for their Readers’ & Writers’ Workshop (which comes from Columbia University’s Teachers College in New York City) and Cognitively Guided Instruction in Mathematics (part of the UCLA Math Project). Her shared efforts to lead the school in outstanding instruction has led Wonderland to receive the “California Distinguished School Award” in 2011 and expecting to receive the National Blue Ribbon Award in 2017. Wonderland’s instructional programs, dedicated teachers, school culture & climate and social-emotional programs are the reasons why Wonderland has been topped ranking in the district for many years.

Karla Lopez is graduate of Eastern Michigan University moved to Los Angeles, California to become a teacher in 2000. Since then, she has earned her Master’s Degree from California State University in Educational Leadership and Administration. She started teaching in Los Angeles in 2000. Teaching children allowed Karla to realize that students and parents come to school with many issues and needs that aren’t being addressed. Educators are more than just teachers. They are nurses, coaches, parents, counselors, referees and family. Gradually Mrs. Velasco made the change to school administration at Wonderland Elementary School where she met Dana Blannon, her friend and co-author of “The Coop”, in 2013. Karla Lopez is passionate about education, curriculum, and the social-emotional well-being of the students. She brings her training and knowledge of Way of Council to address the socio-emotional issues that arise daily in the school community.

Dana and Karla work closely together at Wonderland Ave School. It is through their friendship and personalities that the characters Sunshine and Dark Cloud came to life. Using their personal dynamics the idea for “The Coop” was born. Through Karla’s optimistic & positive outlook on life the nickname, Sunshine, was given to her by Dana. In return, Dana was rewarded the nickname, Dark Cloud, for her realistic and logical perspective. And along with the day to day problems that arise, they are constantly encountering many social issues around students, parents, and adults. Dana and Karla started to really think about how they could help their school community, but most importantly the kids. How do you help children (and adults) truly deal with issues of bullying, peer pressure, family, sickness, and even death? At their school site one of strategies they use in helping kids and the adults address issues and tough situations is through storytelling. Storytelling is a gateway to discuss “tough topics” in a safe environment that may be too delicate to bring up in a conversation. Our goal is to provide parents and teachers with tools to help them through the challenges of everyday life. The Coop is a whole package it lends itself to variety of topics and lessons to address the social and emotional development of children (ages five to thirteen). Not only have we developed the first book in the series, and are working on our third.

DANA BLANNON

Dana Blannon has worked in field of education for 30 years. In many different educational settings ranging from the college-level to elementary. Her work has always been based around students, parents and teachers. On daily basis Dana is responsible for the school operations and is the anchor of the school community. Managing the dynamics of public school and the socio-emotional well being of the students is no easy task, and has worked to find tools to address the students’ needs. Students and parents come into the office looking for support and help from the school and Ms. Blannon is often the first person to address the issues.However, Dana Blannon does it whole-heartedly and is cherished and beloved by all the students and parents of Wonderland. Being a single mother herself allows to relate to the challenges and victories of parenting.

Now public education is calling for schools to take responsibility for the social-emotional development of our children. Together, Dana and Karla, they have created a children’s book series, as the perfect tool in addressing the students’ needs. This book series fills a huge deficient in public education. It allows teachers, parents, and students to address the tough social-emotional topics that have been overlooked. “In the Heart of the Coop” has the answer to this problem. This book series lends itself to the delicate social-emotional topics by creating a safe gateway to share stories with children. Some of the book topics are: Peer-Pressure, Bullying, Friendship, Death, Grief, Homelessness, Divorce, and more. . The book series also includes “Read Alouds” for teachers and parents, along with a “Way of Council”, story-telling prompts.

El ROB

*ORANGE COUNTY MUSIC AWARDS NOMINEE- BEST MALE VOCALIST 2008.

*NATIONAL TOURING ARTIST

Featured artist on the soundtrack for the feature film “Anacapa”

A native of historical San Juan Capistrano, CA. Robert grew up surfing and hiking the coast of California, Arizona and Mexico. Have cultivated a love of cooking, jewelry, records, rare stones, anthropology and indigenous art, he has travelled via backpack throughout Europe, and lived throughout the United States and Arizona believing that music and rhythm truly are the International language of love.

When hes not teaching vocals, guitar, Shaolin Kempo or drums, Robert loves to do stand up comedy, avant garde theatre, direct others, write scripts, books, publish childrens stories, magazine articles and act in movies…

Film credits include Nick Tolkiens MASQUERADE-Santa Barbara international film festival, TEREZIN-Bel Air film festival, ANACAPA, also Sebastian Bascos SUICIDE DOORS opposite David Johnasen, Spike Lees BAMBOOZLED, Jane Campions IN THE CUT, UNDERCOVERS , UNDER SURVEILANCE, and an as yet untitled Christian Slater film)

His favorite support gigs thus far have included a sold out show with Wishbone Ash at the Coach House, opening for Blues Prodigy Ray Goren at Boogies, Redondo Pier. William Elliott Whitmore at the OC Tavern, Marc Orell (Dropkick Murphys) at the historic Whiskey a Go Go, Hollywood, Cinco de Mayo at the Coach House, Omar Velasco at Soho, Santa Barbara. Doylestown Pennsylvania im told Alicia Moore walked in after I packed up…crushed ).

Headlining shows at Cold Springs Tavern, Soho & Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, sharing the stage with Lee Koch at the original Zoeys, Ventura, Jarrod Gorbell (Honorary Title) at Sidewalk Café and Tonic in NYC & Ari Hest at the CBGB’s gallery, NYC. and Eastern Conference Champions (Twilight soundtrack) at the Brixton South Bay, in Redondo Beach, CA.

Favorite tribute projects include frontman for SIMULCAST -NY a rock dance band Founding member of STONE TEMPLE RIOTS -STP tribute, touring member of CORE-STP tribute, vocalist with MATCHBOX TWENTY TOO-MB20 Tribute, and as Ric Ocasek in a CARS tribute.

After attending the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City he enjoyed a 10 year run acting off broadway at the Public Theatre alongside Liev Schreiber and Keith David. with a bit as a security guard in JJ Abrams’ tv hit “UNDERCOVERS”. He has also been featured in commercials for Sothebys Realtors, Chumash Casino, Swatch and Wine picks. He currently lives in the Moment, CA.

DR CHRISTIAN PETER WAGNER

For survival initially, and then by interest, Chris has always been focused on understanding what it means to be human AND how to improve the human condition by the use of technology.

This focus has kept him with a bit of a split personality for most of his life – as he struggled to figure out how to integrate the mathematics and precision of being a professor of Engineering for 35 years, AND the spiritual transformative experiences of visits from Divine Energies.

His research area as a professor has been Artificial Intelligence – he has worked for years helping to bring human intelligence into computers, with doctoral students scattered in many places around the globe taking his understanding of AI into really real world scenarios!

His teaching in spirit has been propelled by his forced entry into trance channeling – wherein he opens up to Divine Source and lets unexpected and unplanned beautiful words

flow into his consciousness.

Chris’ current focus are many:

1. The Soul Engineering Website – a major revision coming soon – soulengineering.com

2. Two new books, both in 2nd draft and to be done by the end of the year.

a. One is the Biography of his wife, Starr Porter –

b. The second is a book on deep romance

3. Involvement in a new movie that starts shooting in January and should be out by the end of the year that shows the common ground between all people in a drama set in Iraq.

4. The Human Operating System – what we do not know DOES HURT US! Perhaps the most important thing that Socrates ever said were those two words – KNOW THYSELF As we learn more about HOW WE WORK IN THE BODY, we gain control, compassion, delight, love, and expansion for our lives.

5. Muze from Senso Laboratories – a new technology that takes information on a person’s individual biometrics to HYPER-Personalize how your life can be made better by computer technology.

We are all in this together!

The time is now for those of good heart to come together – the world needs our interconnectivity and support NOW!!!

MICHAEL BARNUM

Michael Barnum is a singer-songwriter born and raised in Long Beach, California. Fusing sounds of pop, rock, and soul, Barnum’s sound is all his own. With a strong presence in the Los Angeles and Orange County music scenes, he has performed at events and venues across Southern California, including the 626 Night Market, the Moon Festival, a residency at Kafe Neo, The World Famous Doll Hut and The Mint, among others.

The Mint in Los Angeles hailed Barnum to have, “…the unique ability to bring his pitch-perfect voice from a delicate almost whisper, to a roar, all without losing that desirable tone and pitch all singers strive for.”

A self-taught guitar player, he grew up in a musical household playing piano, singing and acting. As an actor, Barnum has appeared in many productions from rock musicals like Spring Awakening and Next to Normal to classics like The King and I. He graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a degree in Theatre Arts.

While performing locally as a musician and actor, he found his biggest audience through live streaming apps, Periscope and Krue, where thousands of followers world-wide tune in each week to watch live broadcasts of his concerts. It was these fans that encouraged him to full-heartedly pursue a music and songwriting career.

Barnum released his debut album Trust in September 2016 after a highly successful crowdfunding campaign—with an outpouring of support from his fans around the world he made 122% of his goal. He co-wrote the entire album which was produced by David Chua Boon Ghee (Andy Grammer, Jessie J, Rachel Platten, One Direction). The songs on Trust are deep, meaningful and based on Barnum’s own personal experience. They explore the journey of finding one’s place in the world and trusting in the path that you’re on.

With uplifting melodies, powerful lyrics and stirring vocals, Barnum delivers a sound reminiscent of artists like Ed Sheeran, Andy Grammer and John Legend. On the heels of the release of Trust, Barnum is planning a West Coast tour and album release concert to-be-announced.

THE RAY SHASHO SHOW

WELCOMES

LEGENDARY IMPRESSIONIST, VOICE ACTOR,COMEDIAN

RICH LITTLE

A master mimic of more than 200 voices, Little continues to impress with a touring schedule throughout the United States and Canada.

U.S. Presidents: John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, both George Bushes and Barack Obama…Rich Little has a voice for every administration.

Infamous for his skewering of political figures, Little has charmed, amused, intrigued and gotten the best of politicians from here to his native Canada. He entertained at both of Reagan’s presidential inaugurations and got to know the Reagans very well during that time. President Reagan used to tell Little, “You do me better than I do.”

A professed classic movie buff, he’s particularly fond of doing Jimmy Stewart, Jack Lemmon, John Wayne and Humphrey Bogart, but Little has also latched on to baby boomer-friendly characters, such as Paul Lynde, Kermit the Frog, Andy Rooney and Dr. Phil, to name a few.

Some of his favorite current impressions are of stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Jack Nicholson, and Clint Eastwood. “They’re easy to do,” he says. “They are larger than life.”

Little says, “An impression is what you think a person sounds like. It could be an exaggeration or a cartoon. It’s your impression. I think of an impersonation as more of an exact copy. Knowing the person personally is not important; it’s knowing the speech patterns and mannerisms [in order] to imitate the person the way the public sees him.”

The son of a doctor in Ottawa, Little started his “career” at the age of 12 when he answered back to his teachers in their own voices. Observing the teachers in action was infinitely more fun than paying attention to class work. To get dates, he’d find out a girl’s favorite actor, then call her up imitating that actor’s voice. Then when Little showed up, he’d say, “Sorry, Cary [Grant] can’t make it.” This stopped when a girl told him her favorite was Lassie.

Impressions came in handy to Little while working as a disc jockey and talk show host. During one April Fool’s Day marathon, he had “Jimmy Durante” emcee the morning show, “Julia Child” do a cooking show and “Elvis Presley” host a teenage show. Like the infamous 1939 broadcast of War of the Worlds, 500 autograph-hungry Elvis-believing fans besieged the station, thinking the King was really there. When they found out it was Little, the fans started throwing things at him.

Still in his early 20s, Little was discovered while working in the United States. His friend, singer Mel Torme, then on the musical team of CBS network’s The Judy Garland Show, asked him to make a tape. Instead of the usual impressions, Little did voices nobody did, including Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles and Dennis Weaver. Garland thought it was great, particularly his James Mason, and Little was signed to the show.

Appearances on TV variety shows starring Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason, Glen Campbell and Dean Martin followed, as well as on series such as Laugh-In, The John Davidson Summer Show and as a regular on The Julie Andrews Show. Little also had his own variety show in the 70s and was the star of the TV show KopyKats. Little was a guest host early on for The Tonight Show, hosting 12 times. He quickly became a household name sitting in one of the Hollywood Squares and went on to do The Muppet Show.

Named “Comedy Star of the Year” by the American Guild of Variety Artists, Little was the perpetrator of nine comedy albums and three HBO comedy specials, as well as the Emmy-award winning specials Rich Little’s Christmas Carol with “W.C. Fields” as Scrooge, “Humphrey Bogart” as one of the ghosts and “Paul Lynde” as Bob Cratchit.

One of his appearances on HBO was as Johnny Carson in the movie The Late Shift, which dealt with the race to succeed Carson on The Tonight Show. Little has appeared on the daytime soaps The Young and the Restless and Santa Barbara. He has made dramatic guest shots on Fantasy Island, Chips, Murder She Wrote,

Little’s expert impressions have also been used seriously, such as the time he stepped in for stars that were unable to do their own re-dubbings on soundtracks. David Niven’s vocal cords were gone due to illness in his last film, Curse of the Pink Panther and Peter Sellers himself was gone by the end of The Trail of the Pink Panther, so Little provided both voices for these films. The television series Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer needed voice-over narrations on three shows, but star Stacey Keach was unable to do them. Little was called in to finish the job. He also did Gene Kelly for a Christmas special when Kelly lost his voice; and more recently, Ernie Borgnine for the animated Cranky’s Miracle after he passed away.

Rick’s greatest fear? A sore throat. “Other people get a cold and they just get a cold. I get a cold and John Wayne gets a cold, Orson Welles gets a cold, Nixon gets a cold and Truman Capote gets the sniffles. I get a cold and it’s all over.”

In June 1998, Little’s star was added to the Canadian Walk of Fame to go along with his current stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Palms Springs Walk of Fame and Las Vegas Walk of Fame; one of the few, if not the only celebrity to achieve all four.

In 2003, Little wrote a one-man play entitled, Jimmy Stewart and Friends in honor of this beloved actor and dear friend.  The story of Stewart’s amazing big screen career, his military record and his family life, including many celebrity impersonations, was met with rave reviews during a decade of touring at performing arts centers..  He’s hoping to have it made into a television special in the near future.

A little known fact about Little is his other talent as an artist.  He started sketching when he was young, drawing his family and friends.  To date, he has drawn around 100 pictures of all the celebrities and politicians he imitates, and portrays several of these life-like charcoal sketches in his shows.

In January 2010, Little became a United States citizen and was sworn in, with a suggestion from the judge to do it as John Wayne! His wife at the time, Marie, also passed away that year. Little later created the Marie and Rich Little Foundation, in honor of his wife, which focuses on helping children, the homeless and animals in need. Rich is also very supportive of Wounded Warriors and causes for the armed services. He proudly has two daughters: Bria and Lyndsay, and a beautiful granddaughter, Alaina. Little has been married four times. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. When not working, he spends most of his time with his one-eyed cat, T-Bo.

Little is still currently working on his latest project, “Little by Little” a self-written, humorous show about his life, featuring over 30 characters. Rich also has an exciting new book out entitled Little by Little- Peopled I’ve Known and Been- released in August this year and available to purchase on amazon.

Rich Little on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/therichlittle/

Rich Little on Twitter https://twitter.com/the_rich_little