NPS Special 07: Surviving COVID-19 with Roger Velasco (20:55, 15 MB) [MP3 Direct Download]

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/awwman.com/podcasts/NPS_SPECIAL_007.mp3]

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J

Topics: Lisa J catches up with Roger Velasco as he shares his experience on contracting and surviving COVID-19.

Links

For more information about COVID-19, visit cdc.gov.

Follow Roger on Instagram and Facebook!

Power Morphicon 3 have announced four more guests: Roger Velasco (Carlos from Power Rangers Turbo and Power Rangers in Space), Cerina Vincent (Maya from Power Rangers Lost Galaxy), Phillip Jeanmarie (Max from Power Rangers Wild Force), and Brandon Jay McLaren (Jack from Power Rangers SPD).

Power Morphicon will be held on August 17-19, 2012 in Pasadena, CA.

Full List of Ranger Guests:

Walter Jones (Zack from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
Catherine Sutherland (Kat from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – Power Rangers Turbo)
Karan Ashley (Aisha from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
Steve Cardenas (Rocky from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – Power Rangers Zeo)
Nakia Burrise (Tanya from Power Rangers Zeo – Power Rangers Turbo)
Blake Foster (Justin from Power Rangers Turbo)
Barbara Goodson (Voice of Rita Repulsa)
Robert Axelrod (Voice of Lord Zedd)
Roger Velasco (Carlos from Power Rangers Turbo – Power Rangers in Space)
Jessica Rey (Alyssa from Power Rangers Wild Force)
Felix Ryan (Spike from Power Rangers Samurai)
Tony Oliver (Producer from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)

Walter Jones (Zack from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
Catherine Sutherland (Kat from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – Power Rangers Turbo)
Karan Ashley (Aisha from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers)
Steve Cardenas (Rocky from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers – Power Rangers Zeo)
Nakia Burrise (Tanya from Power Rangers Zeo – Power Rangers Turbo)
Blake Foster (Justin from Power Rangers Turbo)
Barbara Goodson (Voice of Rita Repulsa)
Robert Axelrod (Voice of Lord Zedd)
Roger Velasco (Carlos from Power Rangers Turbo – Power Rangers in Space)
Jessica Rey (Alyssa from Power Rangers Wild Force)

NPS interviews Roger Velasco.
(Picture courtesy: Henshin Vault)

After flying in early Thursday afternoon, getting a flat tire, and completely missing the SPD and Lost Galaxy cast, I was through. I couldn’t take anymore disappointment! But meeting Roger Velasco (Carlos from Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers in Space) really perked up my spirits, and he was such an easy guy to talk to. Unfortunately he was the first interview, and we were having some major audio problems. I was so afraid that it would be like this for the rest of the weekend, but I quickly troubleshooted it for Selwyn Ward’s (TJ from Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers in Space) interview right after. Selwyn looks exactly the same as he was on the show eons ago. If you didn’t know by now, black people don’t age. It’s true. Look at Walter Jones! But I digress.

Interviewing Selwyn was a little nerve-wracking for me because…well, I don’t know why. All I remember is being very nervous, but he was a sweetheart, and he knew when to dish out the dirt! Loved it! In fact, when asked about Christopher Khayman Lee (Andros from Power Rangers in Space), him and Roger both had to hesitate and both said the same thing about Chris being more to himself. Very interesting.

Production Assistant and Cameraman Tristan helps set up for the day.
(Picture courtesy: No Pink Spandex)

Friday, we had a bunch of interviews, including Steve Cardenas, Karan Ashley, and Nakia Burrise. Every morning, the NPS crew were stationed 3 feet away from Steve and Karan’s table, so after seeing each other for 3 days straight for 8 hours a day (give or take), people get loopy. There was a lot of waiting around for rangers to sneak away time to come by us, but since Steve and Karan were right there, they were easy. One of the production assistants, Johnathan, mentioned that Karan was really happy to see me. Karan’s really happy period!

Lisa J meeting Nakia Burrise for the first time.
(Picture courtesy: Henshin Vault)

When I was interviewing Steve. JC (the person who organized the reunion at AX) noticed Nakia coming over to the ranger booth and nudged her over to Steve while I was interviewing him so that their reunion could be caught on camera. And it was! Then Nakia came around to me and gave me a hug as well! Ever since I interviewed her back in May 2008 (even before then), we’ve been exchanging emails back and forth. Finally we meet, so I’m glad that moment was caught on camera as well, no matter how bad I look! During her interview though, Steve interrupted by hugging Nakia on camera. Love that guy! If you haven’t seen it, it’s the blooper at the end of Nakia’s video interview.

NPS interviews Blake Foster.
(Picture courtesy: David Fultz)

Then Blake was up next, and the cool tidbit about this was that he had just gotten a tattoo (among others) of the Blue Ranger Turbo helmet on his right arm that Thursday of the convention. Hardcore stuff! The tat was cool, but I’m still old school. I’d still be worried when I’m 80 and everything’s sagging!

Nakia Burrise, Lisa J, and Karan Ashley.
(Picture courtesy: No Pink Spandex)

Finally! A good picture! I had to throw in the obligatory “Chocolatey Goodness – The Female Edition” in there. Makes a sistah proud! A good way to end off Friday, I’d say.

NPS interviews Catherine Sutherland.
(Picture courtesy: Karen Shih)

Saturday was a whirlwind! Many more interviews, the Power Rangers Panel, and did I say more interviews? Interviewing Catherine Sutherland was a trip because I had just interviewed her back in March, so what else was I going to ask her? I didn’t care though, because this woman needs to be on camera as much as possible! Very sweet, and very tall! During the interview, Steve came in midway and hugged Catherine, continuing the Nakia running gag! Again, love that guy when’s he’s bored!

Production Assitant Jessica and Lisa J over by Walter Jones.
(Picture courtesy: Henshin Vault)

Walter Jones was suppose to be at the convention the whole weekend, but he was shooting a vampire movie in Louisiana, got on a plane early Saturday morning to fly into Burbank Airport, rushed home, and then rushed to come right in the middle of the Power Rangers Panel. That’s some dedication! Unfortunately, we didn’t get to interview him. He forgot. Twice. And that’s all I’ll say!

The weekend was a blast! There were some amazing moments that weren’t able to be caught on still camera, but I’m a video person. I tape everything! I’ll be finishing off the Anime Expo coverage this week, and I hope you got more than a glimpse of our experience. This chapter will end but another will open up sooner than you think!

Before I go back into my editing cave, I want to thank you all for making this happen. No Pink Spandex would not have been at Anime Expo without the support and the MANY donations. I’m being very honest. There was a time where I wasn’t going because I didn’t have the funds, but you guys made it happen. If you really want to make more trips like this happen, then keep supporting and keep donating! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J
Topics: Anime Expo 2009 – Interview with Roger Velasco

I apologize for the audio quality!

To view this video, you need to have the Xvid codec installed. To do so, please click here.

Show Notes

Hosted by: Lisa J
Topics: Anime Expo 2009 – Interview with Roger Velasco

I apologize for the audio quality!

To view this video, you need to have the H.264 codec installed. To do so, please click here.

CATHERINE SUTHERLAND

The first of what would be many Australian Ranger actresses of the series, Catherine played Katherine “Kat” Hillard. Initially evil, she soon became the second Pink Ranger for MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS, the sole Pink Ranger for POWER RANGERS ZEO, and the first Pink Ranger for POWER RANGERS TURBO.

BARBARA GOODSON

The one and only voice for the one and only Rita Repulsa, head villainess from MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS, Barbara has been an impeccable voice actress for many years. Among the many PR villains she’s voiced, includes POWER RANGERS ZEO’s Prince Sprocket and Klank, and the female half of POWER RANGERS WILD FORCE’s Org General Mandilok. On the opposite side of the coin, she voiced the heroic Ladyborg on PR’s sister series Saban’s Beetleborgs Metallix.

NAKIA BURRISE

After debuting the character of songstress Tanya Sloan in MIGHTY MORPHIN ALIEN RANGERS, Nakia became the Yellow Ranger for POWER RANGERS ZEO, and the first Yellow Ranger for POWER RANGERS TURBO. She was also in TURBO: A POWER RANGERS MOVIE, and continues acting regularly.

ROGER VELASCO

The second Green Ranger for POWER RANGERS TURBO and the sole Black Ranger for POWER RANGERS IN SPACE; Roger played Justin’s friend and mentor, the soccer star Carlos Valerte. Roger also holds the unique distinction of being the ony Ranger actor to portray both a robot and a vampire in the same season.

SELWYN WARD

As Theodore Jay Jarvis Johnson (better known as T.J.), the second Red Ranger for POWER RANGERS TURBO and the sole Blue Ranger of POWER RANGERS IN SPACE, Selwyn has the honor of playing the show’s first African-American team leader. He was also baked into a giant pizza once!
CERINA VINCENT

Now well known for her work in Not Another Teen Movie, numerous horror films and the author of How to Eat Like a Hot Chick, Cerina is best known to POWER MORPHICON attendees as Maya, the alien Yellow Ranger of POWER RANGERS LOST GALAXY.

REGGIE ROLLE

Why does he always have to be the decoy? Reggie starred as Damon Henderson, Astro Megaship and GSA mechanic supreme, turned Green Ranger of POWER RANGERS LOST GALAXY. Reggie and his wife Amy are also the first Power Rangers main cast members to marry one another.

AMY ROLLE

As POWER RANGERS LOST GALAXY’s buggy main villainess Trakeena, Amy Miller-Rolle sought vengeance against the Galaxy Rangers for the death of her father Scorpius. Since marrying co-star Reggie Rolle, Amy has become the first Queen of Evil to capture a Ranger in the bonds of Holy Matrimony!

ALISON MACINNIS

As Dana Mitchell, POWER RANGERS LIGHTSPEED RESCUE’s Pink Ranger, Alison balanced the usual teenaged family difficulties alongside trying to save the world from demons – and later joined Tommy Oliver in the ranks of Power Rangers to receive impossibly fast doctorates. With her role on the unsigned pilot Dream Force Angels, Alison holds a rare distinction of having been part of two different Saban superhero teams!

DAN SOUTHWORTH

With a long history as a stunt performer and actor for the show’s fight team and nearly becoming a Power Ranger several times over the years, Dan was ultimately cast as Silver Guardian Commander Eric Myers, POWER RANGERS TIME FORCE’s Quantum Ranger.

MONICA MAY

Monica played thief turned B-Squad Yellow Ranger, Elizabeth “Z” Delgado on the futuristic POWER RANGERS SPD. Since then, she’s appeared in SPD Executive Producer Greg Aronowitz’s films Battle Planet and Labou, the latter of which screened at the previous POWER MORPHICON.

TONY OLIVER

Most people may know Tony as the voice of Rick Hunter of Robotech and voice director for many anime series over the years. But for fans of POWER RANGERS, he has the distinction of being the man Haim Saban and Shuki Levy chose to develop MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS in the first place! Having gone from original series story editor, supervising producer and episodic writer, Tony was also the voice of the enchanted Saber Saba, the computer of the original Megazord, and the suit & voice actor of the Wizard of Deception.

GREG ARONOWITZ

One of the Executive Producers of POWER RANGERS SPD, Greg also an accomplished writer, director, prosthetics developer, propmaster, set designer, and puppeteer whose talents have graced such classics as ABC’s Dinosaurs, Babylon 5, FOX’s The X-Files Movie… and MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE MOVIE! Greg’s craftsmanship in creating lifeike alien makeup and puppetry brought Doggie Cruger, Piggy, and other aliens in Newtech City to life. Greg’s own films to date include Battle Planet and Labou, both featuring numerous PRSPD actors.

(Source:  Power Morphicon)

Due to Chris and Daniel’s absence, Selwyn Ward (TJ from Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers in Space) and Roger Velasco (Carlos from Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers in Space) will be filling in for them on Thursday. This does NOT affect their scheduled appearance through-out the weekend. They will still sign on Friday, all day, and Saturday after the panel.

There is also the possibility that Monica May may not at Anime Expo as well. This is unconfirmed.

(Courtesy: Buzz’s Room via Rangerboard)

1. Karan Ashley – Aisha, the Mighty Morphin Yellow Ranger.
2. Robert Axelrod – The voice of Lord Zedd and Finster on the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers”.
3. Nakia Burrise – Tanya, the Yellow Power Ranger – Power Rangers Zeo and Power Rangers Turbo
4. Steve Cardenas – Rocky, the Mighty Morphin Red Power Ranger
5. Dan Ewing – Black Power Ranger – Power Rangers RPM
6. Blake Foster – Blue Power Ranger – Power Rangers Turbo
7. Barbara Goodson – Empress Rita Repulsa – Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
8. Walter E. Jones – Zack, the Mighty Morphin Black Power Ranger
9. Patricia Ja Lee – Pink Power Ranger – Power Rangers Turbo and Power Rangers in Space
10. Monica May – Yellow Power Ranger – Power Rangers SPD
11. Amy Rolle – Trakeena – Power Rangers Lost Galaxy
12. Reggie Rolle – Green Power Ranger – Power Rangers Lost Galaxy
13. Dan Southworth – Quantum Power Ranger – Power Rangers Time Force
14. Catherine Sutherland – Kat, the Mighty Morphin Pink Power Ranger
15. Roger Velasco – Green Power Ranger, Black Power Ranger – Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers in Space
16. Cerina Vincent – Yellow Power Ranger – Power Rangers Lost Galaxy
17. Chris Violette – Blue and Red Power Ranger – Power Rangers SPD
18. Selwyn Ward – Red Power Ranger, Blue Power Ranger – Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers in Space

The newest additions are Selwyn Ward (TJ from Power Rangers Turbo, Power Rangers in Space) and Dan Ewing (Dillon from Power Rangers RPM). Since so many guests are coming and going throughout the weekend, I’ve made a PDF of all the times that the guests are scheduled:

Power Rangers Guests Schedule – Updated June 23, 2009

NPS will be at Anime Expo to cover the convention, so if you’d like to donate to cover the production costs, please donate!

For more information on Anime Expo, see site for details.

Recently Blake has joined the board Star Points Rangercast to answer fans’ questions, and one of the first questions he answers over there (that I forgot to ask) was what was it like working with Patricia Ja Lee, Selwyn Ward, Tracy Lynn Cruz, and Roger Velasco?

Selwyn was the homie!! Always smiling and laughing. Tracey was like a sister and she used to come over to my house. I’ll post pictures of that some other time, Roger was way cool. He REALLY taught me soccer, and Patty was always studying or riding a longboard skateboard!!!!

Then the following questions are from the wonderful folks from Rangerboard, and I shot Blake a quick email:

From Buzzs_Room: You got to keep your helmet and ranger suit with adult boots, how did the crew/staff allow you to keep it, and why did you sell it on Ebay?

I never sold it. I still have it. I had a manager named ken, and he ripped off some of my stuff, but that’s another story. He tried to sell it!!!!!! The reason I got to keep my costume was this. Shuki and Haim really liked me a lot. When I got the part, My folks and my sister and myself went to Shuki’s house for dinner and to meet the other Rangers. In Shuki’s entrance to the house, He had all the Rangers in costume standing at his fron door ( Inside).. The [mannequins] were so cool with those costumes on, and I ranted all night about how cool they were. Shuki finally told me, that when my Ranger days were done, I could have my costume, so it was put into the contract!

From Splush and Lisa J: Did you get to work with Austin [St. John] and Amy Jo [Johnson] while on the Turbo movie set? If so, how was it?

Yes I did! They were both great! As a matter of fact, Austin taught me some karate stuff, and Amy Jo and I did our ADR work together at Saban headquarters on Wilshire Blvd. I have pictures, and when I can dig them out, I’ll post them. Austin also jumped into my Limo at the [premiere] of Turbo a Power Ranger movie which was at the Grahman’s Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd where all the famous hands and feet in [cement] are. All the news stations were there to cover my being introduced as the NEW BLUE RANGER, and Saban had hired limos for all the Rangers individually, but the other cast members just were suppose to show up and be there. As our driver was coming around a corner onto Hollywood Blvd, I saw Austin walking, and I yelled out to him and he jumped into my limo!! Austins a great guy. He almost died because of his diabetes once while doing PRs. He didn’t show up for work, and didn’t answer the phone so production sent someone to his house and they found him in his back yard [unconscious] with his dog licking him. Amy was short. I was as tall as Amy Jo back then, I’d probably tower over her like she were kid now days.

From Buzzs_Room and Lisa J: What was it liked to return to In Space for that one episode “True Blue to the Rescue”? How did you end up returning to the show?

We got a call one day from my agent, and my agent said I was gonna do another episode. I said, “cool” and we did. After that I went on to do Casper with Hilary Duff. It just happened like that. Maybe they had to bring Justin back to leave it open so that one day he COULD return. “Well, if you ever need me, once a Ranger, always a Ranger”

When I went back to do that episode, all the OG Rangers were gone, and it was never the same. It was like Tracey, Patty, Roger and Selwyn were in those Power Ranger costumes, but the thrill was gone for me. They never had the “It” factor working for them and the magic that made the show what it was gone. Don’t get me wrong, I really liked all those guys, but when I cam back for In Space, I hung out with my homies on the set that had been family to me since I started. Banner, Lisa, Koichi, Taka, the alpha stunt guys, all the crew. Andros (Chris) was cool, I guess, but he was NEVER Tommy! And while I was doing that episode, Jason came on set to see other people, and I think Johnny did too. Roger was always cool with me and he was happy to see my return. I actually liked my episode, cuz it gave me a chance to do the Justin thing “One more Time”.