A.R. Bernard Show, The - Season 01

A.R. Bernard Show, The - Season 01

(SR100233)

The A.R. Bernard News Magazine is a faith-based program that is innovative and cutting edge, and features celebrities and non-famous people who, through the power of faith, are doing extraordinary things.

Episode 1 - Hip Hop Music
"A.R. Bernard explains the mission of the A.R. Bernard News Magazine. It's a faith-based program that is innovative and cutting edge, and features celebrities and non-famous people who, through the power of faith, are doing extraordinary things. "
"The first segment delved into the world of hip-hop, and the high cost of free speech in hip-hop music. A.R. Bernard's Correspondent Jacque Reid interviewed Reginald Hawkins, Format Manager of the Sirius 40 Hip-Hop Nation radio show in New York, who believes that hip-hop allows inner city residents to express themselves."
"Female hip-hop pioneer, Cheryl "Salt" Wray of the popular hip-hop duo Salt 'N' Pepa has a different take. A.R. Bernard talks to "Salt" about her past personal conflict as a Christian in the hip-hop world. Cheryl shares that she felt exploited at times because she knew that sex sells. She eventually walked away from the money. She believes that you have to take responsibility for the image and the influence you have over young people"

Episode 2 Minorities and Cosmetic Surgery / Robin talks about her father/ Remembering Hurricane Katrina and the blessings of joining GMA
"A.R. Bernard talks with Good Morning America Anchor Robin Roberts, who talks about her family, her faith, and her "service". Her father was one of the Tuskegee Airmen, who grew up in the 1930s and had the audacity to aspire to fly one day. Her parents instilled a foundation of faith in her upon which all of her successes rest upon."
"A.R. Bernard then moves on to the personal impact that Hurricane Katrina had on Robin, who grew up in New Orleans. Her father, the patriarch of her family, died several months before the hurricane hit, which was extremely difficult. It was also hard for Robin to see the home she had grown up in no longer there, and to see her extended family who had lost so much. It was the first time in a long time that Robin's personal "storm" caused her faith to waver."
"Robin told A.R. Bernard that prior to Hurricane Katrina, she had been promoted to Co-Anchor at ABC following her job with ESPN, and she wondered if she made the right decision accepting the new position. The human emotion she showed on the air provoked her viewers to show their humanity. Many of them helped New Orleans residents who were in such desperate need. Robin recognized the Lord's hand in her promotion. As A.R. Bernard put it, she allowed God to create her opportunities."

Episode 3 - 1 on 1 with Singer Pattie Labelle / Remembering the Sean Bell case
"A.R. Bernard talks with R&B and Gospel Artist, Patti LaBelle, about her new project, "The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle". She says that she grew up singing gospel and has always included one or two gospel songs in her secular shows. Although she plans to continue doing her secular projects, "The Gospel According to Patti LaBelle" is her opportunity to give it all back to God. All of the proceeds from this project are being given to cancer research."
"A.R. Bernard asks Patti about the people who think there may be a conflict between her doing both secular and gospel projects. Patti believes that it's sad because all music is God's music, and that she's never done anything that she's ashamed of - even with the song, "Voulez-vous couches avec moi, ce soir?" which is about a hooker. She says that with her music, she is going to touch somebody in every area of life. She uses her music as a vehicle for ministry."
"A.R. Bernard shares that secular music, which is outside of the temple, is not necessarily in conflict with the temple. He says that music notes are not gospel or secular. It's the spirit behind the music that gives it meaning."
"In the studio, A.R. Bernard also talks with Correspondent, Tamsen Fadal, who covered the case of Sean Bell, who was shot and killed by members of the New York Police Department the day before his wedding. A.R. Bernard and Tamsen speak at length about the police department's pattern of excessive force and what the community wants to do about it."

Episode 4 - Bringing hope to Peru / Congressman Charlie Rangel Creating an Emergency Fund
"A.R. Bernard and Correspondent Frank Cipolla talk in the studio about what keeps Congressman Charles Rangel going after 40 years in Congress. Frank says that Rangel's mind, body and spirit are aligned, and he truly loves what he does. But the Congressman's joy was tested in 1950 when he and his men were surrounded in the Korean War by thousands of Chinese soldiers. Rep. Rangel says that he told Jesus if there were any way that he could get out of that mess, He would never have a problem with Charlie Rangel again. Rangel went on to lead 43 of his soldiers to safety, and he earned both a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. That night served as the inspiration for his book, "And I Haven't Had a Bad Day Since - From the Streets of Harlem to the Halls of Congress"."
"A.R. Bernard says that Rep. Rangel's life has been a life of purpose, and he likes that Rangel credits divine intervention even though he didn't always understand it along the way. He says that is something that happens to many of us."
"A.R. Bernard also speaks with Dr. Jeffrey Meilman, founder and CEO of Hope for Tomorrow Foundation, an organization that helps children with catastrophic injuries by performing complex surgeries to help them regain their lives. Dr. Jeffrey Meilman revealed to A.R. that he was looking for more meaning in his work as a plastic surgeon and started the Hope for Tomorrow Foundation. He and his medical team travel with tools and approximately $15,000 in prosthetics to perform free surgeries to poverty-stricken children throughout the world. A.R. Bernard says that Dr. Meilman is doing more than just healing bodies; he's healing souls and hearts-especially for those involved."

Episode 5 - Genocide in Darfur / Reverend Herbert Daughtry
"A.R. Bernard Correspondent Jacque Reid travelled to the war-ravaged Western Sudan to report on Darfur. She tells A.R. Bernard in the studio that the humanitarian crisis is real, but the complete picture of what is going on in Darfur is still unclear. A.R. Bernard asks if the government was cooperative in her seeking truth. Jacque notes that although the Sudanese government said that she would have the freedom to obtain her own truth, everything from the books about Darfur, interpreters and security were all provided from, and on behalf of, the government's perspective. Jacque also says that although she can't say that she believed everything that she was told by the Sudanese government, she has more room for doubt about all that she has read in the United States about Darfur. As A.R. Bernard deduced, Jacque certainly left the Western Sudan with more questions. "
"A.R. Bernard also talked in the studio with Reverend Herbert Daughtry, who has a contrasting perspective of the Sudanese government. Rev. Daughtry spent 16 days in Chad, spoke to government leaders, went into the bush to talk to rebel leaders, and visited the refugee camp. He tells A.R. Bernard that the stories are always the same - first came the planes, then the big vehicles with big guns, then the horseback riders who destroyed the villages, killed the men, and raped the women and children. A.R. Bernard asks how true are the accusations that external forces are trying to undermine the Sudanese government - for instance is the United States trying to control oil around the world? Are Jews involved in this? According to Rev. Daughtry, the rebel leaders in the bush are grateful for the U.S. support, Jewish support and Christian support. However, they are disappointed that the Muslims have not been supportive. A.R. Bernard says he's interested to see how all of this will develop and turn out."

Episode 6 - "Former Jets Running Back Curtis Martin / Dr. Lydell Leftsome, Physician & Preacher"
"A.R. Bernard talks with former New York Jets Running Back, Curtis Martin. Curtis witnessed the murder of his grandmother and others growing up. He was in constant fear of being killed each day as a child and teen, and was a self-proclaimed "hell on wheels". He tells A.R. Bernard that God was looking out for him through it all. He says that he went into the NFL with a relationship with Christ and has used football as a vehicle to establish a good name, and then as a vehicle to impact other people's lives. Curtis reveals to A.R. Bernard that he can identify with the 12 and 13 year-old children who carry guns today that are better than the ones the police carry. Being able to go back and impact some of their lives, with them knowing that he's been where they are at, is a powerful thing. A.R. Bernard acknowledges Curtis' commitment to Christ and the discipline that he practices on and off the field. A.R. Bernard tells Curtis that he ministers to a lot of people, and the fact that God has given him that level of integrity and trust is a very big thing."
"In an in-studio conversation, A.R. Bernard talks with Dr. Lydell Lettsome, a surgeon who is moving from saving lives to saving souls. Dr.Lettsome tells A.R. Bernard that he's willing to give up all that he's accomplished in medicine and all that he's put into his success as a physician to honor the gifts of understanding, preaching and teaching that God has given him. A. R. Bernard says that many people would consider being a physician as a calling in itself, but agrees that joining the ministry is indeed a higher calling for Dr. Lettsome."

Episode 7 - Academic Achievement
"A.R. Bernard talks with Correspondent Stan Coleman about five high school teenagers from Buffalo, NY who are making their own history. Stan told A.R. Bernard this is the first time that an African-American team qualified for, and represented New York State in the Department of Energy's National Science Bowl. Reporting from the event, which is held outside of Washington, DC, Stan captures footage of the teens in action. A.R. Bernard asked about the role that faith played in these five students' experience. Stan says their faith was not only central to their individual competition, but to the Science Bowl itself. When the competition ended, program officials planned a faith-based service for all the participants before they returned home."

Episode 8 - The strength to carry on Alvina & Darwin Oden
"A.R. Bernard talks in-studio with Alvina and Darwin Oden, a couple whose faith was tested as they lost their triplets one-by-one. Alvina was rushed to the hospital, and underwent an emergency cesarean section. The first baby died immediately. The second baby died two months later. And the third baby, who the couple believed was a miracle baby, lived seven months before going into a coma and eventually dying as they watched. The couple told A.R. Bernard they didn't understand why God would bless them with three babies, only to take them all away. A.R. Bernard says that is something that most people ask in times like theirs. But faith, he says, is about believing in God even when we don't have the answers."
"Their faith in God and support for one another helped them through this pain. A.R. Bernard says the couple's greatest demonstration of faith is that they tried again. Since this time, they have given birth to two, healthy children."

Episode 9 - Beating the odds - correspondent Cynthia Guaba
"A.R. Bernard talks in the studio with Correspondent Cynthia Guaba, who visited the Bronx Aerospace Academy-a place where high school students love to learn. The film footage shows how extensive the training is at the academy. A.R. Bernard says in a city where 50% of high school students graduate on time, and 15% drop out, the 91% on-time graduation rate at the Bronx Aerospace Academy is great news."
"Cynthia tells A.R. Bernard that the students at the Bronx Aerospace Academy have incredible qualities in common. They desire to grow, excel at all levels, and they welcome the discipline and structure that the school provides. While grants from NASA, the Department of Education, and the Air Force help to keep the school running, it is the students and the school's principal, Barbara Kirkweg who keep the passion for learning alive. Principal Kirkweg's vision to create leaders is well on its way to being realized. Her first group of students graduated last year and they are aspiring to do great things."

Episode 10 - Radio Renaissance Man, Radio Personality Harold "Hal" Jackson
"A.R. Bernard talks with Correspondent Cheryl Washington about 91-year old radio legend, Harold "Hal" Jackson. Cheryl visited Hal where he is still on the air at New York's WBLS. Although Hal does not see himself as a living legend, the Smithsonian Institute and the Radio Hall of Fame regard him as such. Hal has broken racial barriers in radio, been known to work at four different stations on the same day, was the first Black play-by-play sports broadcaster in the country, and was the owner of a basketball team at one time."
"Hal has maintained a pioneering career throughout the last 65+ years. A.R. Bernard asks who Hal credits for his success and longevity. The answer he gives-"God". Hal speaks about the abundance of his blessings, his faith, and being a giver as sustaining forces in his personal and professional lives. Giving back keeps him motivated. And while he does not claim to be overly religious, he appreciates all that has been given to him by God."

Episode 11 - Clarence Coleman, shoe shine man
"A.R. Bernard talks in the studio with Correspondent Cheryl Washington, about 81 year-old Clarence "Curly" Coleman". This former jazz musician has a following, but it is his art of the shoeshine that has made him a local favorite. For over 50 years, loyal patrons have followed Clarence as he moved his business throughout Newark, NJ. As Clarence says, he has the gift of bringing shoes back to life. While Clarence tends to the soles of people's shoes, he allows God to tend to the soul of his being. Clarence feels it is important to be a part of the Christian experience, and attends church every Sunday with his daughter. A.R. Bernard says it is heartwarming to know that family is helping to lead him to church."

Episode 12 - Frank Cipolla investigates why fewer African Americans are playing baseball
"A.R. Bernard talks in the studio with Correspondent Frank Cipolla about the decreasing amount of African-Americans in professional baseball. It has been sixty years since Jackie Robinson broke the baseball color barrier by becoming the first African-American to play in the major leagues. Robinson opened the door for many African-African players since that time, but their numbers have dwindled over the years."
"A.R. Bernard wonders what the contributing factors may be. It is determined that professional baseball is not as accessible to younger generations. While older generations could view games on a major television network, most games these days are shown on cable, satellite or pay-per-view. Baseball is also a slower moving game. It is not as action-packed as football or basketball. Today's youth are more attracted to fast-moving sports. Finally, major league teams need to offer more training camps year-round. Frank says there is only one camp in the U.S. that trains kids all-year round. As baseball has evolved, it is not enough to simply have natural skill; kids need to be properly trained."
"A.R. Bernard and Frank conclude that although baseball is considered "America's past-time", it has also been the sport of immigrant populations. With the influx of Latino populations into the U.S., it may be a natural progression that we see less African-Americans represented, and a shift towards more Latinos playing the game."

Episode 13 - Hard Work, Sacrifice & Faith the Recipient for Successful/Extraordinary Teen
"A.R. Bernard talks in the studio with Correspondent Cheryl Washington who met a determined woman of God that Cheryl calls, "McBlessed". At 30 years old, Angela Adderley was downsized from her corporate job and decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an entrepreneur. While working full-time at her new job during the day, her nights were spent pursuing her dream-owning and operating a McDonald's restaurant. We learned that it was Angela's faith and positive spirit that enabled her to pay her dues during her training. She worked the register, cooked the fries, cleaned the toilets and the parking lot, as well as opened and closed the store on weekends. Angela's philosophy is grounded in her beliefs. She believes that if you live by the Word, you will be blessed. She put her faith in God, and after 13 years, with the support of her family and church, she now owns four McDonald's restaurants in New Jersey. A.R. Bernard says that we often get propelled into our destiny and purpose following a crisis. Angela is a shining example of that."

Episode 14 - A look inside the Timothy Hill Children's Ranch with Cynthia Guaba
"A.R. Bernard talks in the studio with Correspondent Cynthia Guaba who visited the Timothy Hill Children's Ranch, a residential home for at-risk and homeless boys ages 10-21. The ranch is helping to transform the lives of the boys and their families through structure, discipline, responsibility and respect. The outstanding footage shows the day-to-day activities that help to teach the boys life skills. The mission of the ranch is to model the life of Jesus Christ while providing safety and hope. It is a place that is sometimes the only resemblance of a home that the boys have ever known. A.R. Bernard is impressed that the ranch welcomes boys from diverse backgrounds and spiritual beliefs. He says that is a testimony to how secure the owners are in their faith in Christ. They are able to reach out beyond their Christ-centeredness to engage other individuals. When A.R. Bernard asks Cynthia to reflect on her overall experience of the ranch, she describes a tranquil, family-like atmosphere that is a source of inspiration and hope for young men. "

Episode 15 - Bringing people together through the cadence and rhythm of a drum
"A.R. Bernard talks in the studio with Ralph Roe, who has found a way to bring cultures together with a single instrument-the drum. The interactive, educational program that Ralph created brought together drummers of varying ethnicities from around the world. Ralph tells A.R. Bernard that the drum is a spiritual instrument. It is part of every culture and is often used to communicate without speaking. A. R. Bernard agrees. The beat, the rhythm, the healing flow of the drum, connects cultures all over the planet. The drummers learned that they cannot only make music together, but they can also celebrate their differences in everyday life. The program has brought out the talent and creativity in the students, but has produced a message of unity, inclusion, and a willingness to learn about different types of people. A.R. Bernard says that one of the greatest things about Ralph's work is that it is centered on building people up."

Episode 16 - The Toronto Carribanna Festival
"A.R. Bernard talks in the studio with Correspondent Stan Coleman, who sheds light on the spiritual foundation of what has become the largest annual festival in Canada. The Toronto Carabana Festival brings together people of many cultures and ethnicities. It is a time of celebration and harmony, where neighbors and the government dance together in the streets. Its roots are grounded in the religious beliefs and celebrations of Africans and Caribbeans. But, as the festival has grown among communities, the spiritual component has been lost. A.R. Bernard asks Stan, "What changed?" This year, the faith-based community could not agree on philosophy--what they were willing to accept, and say. A.R. Bernard says that is unfortunate that the faith leaders did not seize the opportunity to promote the festival's spiritual roots. He says we end up losing as a faith community-we lose people and events to secularization. Although the event was well mannered, organized, and exciting there were members of the faith community who regretted the missed opportunity to bring more people to Christ. It is both the prayer of A.R. Bernard and Stan that the faith community will come together next time."

Episode 17 - Clean Comedy with correspondent Frank Cipola
"A.R. Bernard talks in the studio with Correspondent Frank Cipolla, who peeked into the world of clean stand-up comedy. Rick Younger is a college-educated comedian who is the product of a strict family upbringing. Honoring his Christian faith, Rick decided to keep his act clean. A.R. Bernard poses the question: In a culture where nothing is off-limits in search of laughs, how do Christian comics do it? In the case of Rick Younger, he will often use stories from the Bible. Rick has found that some of his best laughs have been obtained off of stories such as the Prodigal Son. A.R. Bernard quips that he is happy to know that Christians can laugh. As the Bible says, "A merry heart does good like medicine.""

Episode 18 - Women Keep It Real with Karen Bernard / Condos Vs Co-Ops
"A.R. Bernard talks in the studio with his very lovely wife of 35 years, Karen Bernard, about a new segment on the broadcast called "Keeping it Real". They discuss some of the topics that will be explored-including, issues that today's married couples are facing, women's issues, finances, raising children, and being married in ministry. A.R. Bernard is excited to have his wife as part of the A.R. Bernard broadcast."

Episode 19 - Dino & Cheryl Kartsonakis / Sickle Cell disease with Julian Philips
"A.R. Bernard talks in the studio with husband and wife team, Dino and Cheryl Kartsonakis. Dino is a concert pianist with over 30 albums and a national television show. Cheryl is an accomplished singer who has performed around the world and at such places as Carnegie Hall. The couple talks to A.R. Bernard about their upcoming Christmas concert at Lincoln Center, which also features special guest, Natalie Cole. A.R. Bernard describes Dino's performances as "an experience". The electricity of the Holy Spirit takes over Dino when he plays the piano, and he meets the needs of his audiences in a powerful way. Dino says that it is a privilege to touch people through music. He says that every note that he plays communicates the love, joy and peace that only Jesus Christ can give."

Episode 20 - Hope & Healing in Newark New Jersey
"A.R. Bernard talks in the studio with Correspondent Cynthia Guaba, who travelled to Newark, NJ to cover the Christian band, Casting Crowns, who put on a free concert to help bring healing to the city after a series of tragic deaths. Cynthia tells A.R. Bernard that although the community was rattled by the senseless murders, a sense of renewal is starting to come over the city. In an effort to avoid this from happening again, more police officers have been added to the force, there is more police presence on the streets, and community centers have been rehabilitated. The Casting Crowns concert was well attended, and their performance brought comfort to many. A.R. Bernard is pleased with the progress. Yet he reminds us that Christ is the only hope."

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