Based in Colorado, Risa August is an author, Speaker, Gestalt practitioner and Patient Advocate for rare pituitary diseases. She has been sharing her story for the past five years, and more recently in her memoir The Road Unpaved – Border to Border with a Brain Tumor and a Bike. In addition to speaking at conferences for leaders in pharmaceuticals, medical professionals, and patients, her work is published on blogs and in other smaller publications. Her most popular personal essay, “Marshmallow Clouds,”has been translated into Spanish. Through her personal transformation, Risa has learned and practiced removing limiting beliefs, shifting her perspective, and embracing a full life.

Risa has a B.A. in geography, a certification in the Gestalt Coaching Method, and a certificate in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. She has been living with a pituitary tumor and rare disease for over a decade and offering words of inspiration and information to audiences in hopes of saving others from heading down a bumpier road. A girl with sparkles in her hair and once an Ironman athlete, Risa still has a passion for her bike and barbells. With her genuine curiosity and love for trying new (and old) things, you may find Risa taking Bollywood or hip-hop dance lessons, trying a silks aerialist or boxing class, going indoor skydiving, or guiding an inspirational workshop in creativity.

Ted Played drums in several Rock Bands in Phoenix Arizona in the early ‘80s, as well as owning HeadBangers Drum Shop. Then pursued music through radio taking a at Westwood One/100.3 Pirate Radio in the LA market as well as syndicated radio shows world wide including Armed Force Radio.

Shred’s love of the Rock music scene here in Hollywood led him through numerous bands playing around LA till he got hired to be a stand in and an extra background actor) for Steven Tyler on Wayne’s World 2 that then took hold of Shred’s creative performance side which at this time turned towards acting from 1992 even up to the present.

Through acting Shred discovered many jobs he was experienced at in this industry through natural survival to actual training from Stunts to Animal Training, Line Producing to Directing, from Art and Set Design to Lighting. Then through an odd form of osmosis and powers of the universe Shred creates several companies to increase his financial base and help harness his chaotic creativity. So Double Dog Dare Events (an event design/production company involved in the entertainment and corporate marketing)was launched followed by Pira For Hire (a live action interactive promotional company focusing on anything Pirate from live shows, commercial marketing, to Film and TV re-enactments…) made of like minded pirate enthusiasts from the film industry for entertaining with live action shows around the world.

And finally Shred’s love for animals and animal rescue/rehabilitation he created Tropical Exotic Animal Rentals (designed for taking on rescued exotic and domestic animals. Then after rehab if they cannot be released back to the wild or be placed with an appropriate animal sanctuary, he would keep and provide for them) that became an animal ambassador company for educational programs, special event meet and greets, as well as training/conditioning certain acclimated animals for the film and TV industry that even lead him to becoming a Ringmaster for the famous LA Circus and The Vamphear Circus. And let’s not forget his over 40 years experience as a record holder as Hollywood’s #Fire Manipulation/Breather. This all had a very common thread that leads us to The Shred Media Group and The Rock Lounge. Ted Shred’s extensive experience as a producer, creative write director, and over all entertainer will now be focused on hosting, interviewing and entertaining.

CHRISTOPER LOVERRO, a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Peace and Conflict Studies program, retired Police Officer, and founder of Warriors For Peace Theatre, brings a unique perspective shaped by his combat service in Iraq and humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. His commitment to using the arts as a tool for healing and peace, combined with his first hand experience in conflict zones, provides a profound understanding of the human cost of war.

ANTON YAREMCHUK, an award-winning Ukrainian filmmaker and humanitarian, and Christopher Loverro, a US Army Iraq War veteran and advocate for peace through the arts, are embarking on a significant speaking tour across California. This tour, titled "Voices from the Frontline,” aims to bring light to underreported aspects of the Ukrainian conflict, focusing on personal stories and the impact on local communities. Yaremchuk, born in Ukraine and fluent in multiple languages, returned to his homeland to document the Revolution of Dignity and the unfolding conflict in Eastern Ukraine. His work as a film maker and activist, particularly during the full-scale invasion in 2022, led to the founding of Base UA, a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting civilians and the military in Ukraine.