Jason Picker

A story from a foreigner/gaijin's perspective, looking at Japanese culture through baseball.Featuring the words of Robert Whiting, Ira Stevens, Mark Okuda and Orestes Destrade.What makes baseball in Japan unique, is not only the Japanese approach to the game, but how the sport is linked to the nation’s past.Through the words of people who live the sport, Samurai Japan takes a deeper look into understanding Japanese culture through baseball.In collaboration with Japan Ball https://japanball.com/00:00 - The Samurai ethic03:45 - Robert Whiting baseball became a national sport 06:20 - Ira Stevens fantasy baseball and sports to Japan08:50 - Robert Whiting first came to Japan10:00 - Orestes Destrade playing in Japan compared to the US14:25 - Mark Okuda's playing in Japan and the US18:15 - Ira Stevens how foreigners adapt to playing in Japan20:05 - Robert Whiting connection between baseball & Japanese business 22:35 - Mark Okuda training benefits 26:05 - Orestes Destrade Mr Baseball connection29:05 - Mark Okuda training has helped Japanese players succeed

Orestes Destrade is a retired baseball player, who had a career in both the Major Leagues and Japan. He got his start with the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1980s, before playing playing four seasons in Japan, becoming a superstar with the Seibu Lions. He returned to the US as a part of the Florida Marlins inaugural season in 1993, leading the team in homes runs and runs batted in, before finishing his career with the Lions. Orestes has gone on to become a TV and radio broadcaster with the Tampa Bays Rays and other outlets for close to 20 years, and currently serves as a special advisor to the Lions. We spoke about his experiences playing baseball and living in Japan, how his family arrived in Miami from Cuba, and seeing baseball as a way to understanding Japanese culture. It was an honor to speak with Orestes. I hope you enjoy it, and look out for more to come in this series.

Mr Manuvers is a long time friend in life and music. It was only fitting to have a chat with him for this 20th episode. Manuvers is a producer, DJ, and a consultant for events and programming at The Arlo Hotel in Wynwood. He’s also an investor at the nightclub Medium Cool in Miami Beach, and has played an integral role in the Miami music scene since the ‘90s; from his college radio show Funknotix with Jake Jefferson, record labels Counterflow and Hometeam, and parties like Chocolate Sundays, The Love Below, and his current monthly Sheets and Pillows at Dante’s Hifi.  In this conversation we speak about what he’s been up to lately, giving space to allow for creativity, and the importance of being a fan of the things you love. Dale!

Hannah Turner Voakes is a yoga teacher, and the founder of Paperdress Yoga and Paperdress Vintage, the latter she runs alongside her husband who produces music events at the space. Paperdress began as a vintage shop in Shoreditch in 2007, before moving to their current location in Hackney in 2016. Hannah’s background in yoga began when she was at University, and has been a constant in her life. She has a keen understanding of moving the body, sharing insights from Chinese medicine and yogic texts in her classes. With a business and young family, it’s inspiring how she finds balance.

David Sinopoli is one of the founders of the III Points festival, a dj and part of the nightlife group in Miami that runs Space compound along with Floyd, The Ground, Jolene and more. Previously he was the music director at Bardot, where we met a few moons back. It’s great to see what he’s done since then, how he and his team have continued to grow III Points, and bring in a new era of nightlife downtown. We spoke about what motivates him to stay involved in music, the music scene in Miami, an artist residency project he’s working on, and his idea for a Zelda-themed Andre 3000 flute show. 

Gerry Jackson, is a personal trainer and writer. Based in the Hackney area of London, Gerry inspires and motivates people through his work ethic and way of being. He’s also one of the inspirations behind the legendary Top Boy series, and has worked with it’s creator and writer, Ronan Bennett, on all five of the shows seasons. It was an honor to speak with Gerry about his experiences growing up in London, creating youth programs and the positive effects of a fitness and training discipline.

Rodney McGilvery worked as the head of security at Glam Slam on South Beach in the ‘90s. This chat is from 2016, around the time Prince (who owned the club) passed away. Some great stories from Rodney about what Miami Beach was like at the time, working with Prince and Paisley Park, and how the beach has changed since (pardon the sniffles!). Rodney is an entrepreneur and the owner of cleaning company, Dream Clean. He recently published his first book, Mr. Dream Clean

Mikhaile Solomon is the founder of Prizm art fair, an architect, and teacher. Prizm which started at Art Basel 2012, has grown each year as an outlet for artists from the African diaspora; local and international. We spoke during our phone conversation about this year’s exhibition, the arts in Miami, Mikhaile’s background in architecture, and some music and local restaurant tips. Shout out to Mikhaile and congrats on all your success with Prizm. https://prizm.art

Jason Picker is a therapist, social worker and father, living in Jerusalem. He specializes in trauma therapy for young adults. It was great to catch up with him and speak about stepping out of your comfort zone, the effects of trauma, and the courage to say I don’t know. Thanks to Jason for taking the time to chat. https://ympicker.com https://ympicker.com/articles 

Daniel Atchison-Nevel is an acupuncturist, and founder of the NSEV Clinic in Miami Beach, which he started along with his wife Jane 41 years ago. His latest project is The 3 Wombs Academy.In our conversation, Dan talks about starting The South Florida Healing Arts Center in South Beach in the ‘80s,, living life with the greatest amount of ease, and shares a breathing meditation that anyone can use throughout their day (33:05). Thank you to Dan and here’s to another 41 years.NSEV Healing3 Wombs Academy