Hye Jams: Between the Notes

Latest Episodes:

Music. Art. Healing. Hope. | Katrina Woolverton + Tro Khayalian Jul 05, 2026

Show notes

Some of the strongest people you'll ever meet have lived through the hardest stories.

In this powerful episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan sits down with Billboard-charting singer, songwriter and attorney Katrina Woolverton and acclaimed Armenian artist Tro Khayalian, whose incredible metal sculptures and abstract artwork have inspired thousands.

Katrina shares the remarkable story of defeating Aaliyah on Star Search, walking away from a promising music career at just 12 years old, rebuilding life on her own terms, and opening up publicly for the first time about the heartbreaking journey through infertility and pregnancy loss.

Tro reveals how growing up with a learning disability, bullying, and emotional struggles led him to discover art as his escape. Today, he transforms discarded automotive parts into breathtaking sculptures while creating paintings filled with emotion, faith, hope, and healing.

Together, these two artists remind us that our greatest struggles don't have to define us—they can become the very foundation of our purpose.

In this episode you'll hear:

Katrina's incredible Star Search story and competing against Aaliyah
Why she walked away from the music industry at the height of her early success
Life as a Billboard-charting recording artist and entertainment attorney
Tro's journey from struggling student to internationally recognized artist
How creativity became healing for both guests
Faith, family, resilience, and finding purpose after pain
A heartfelt prayer to close one of the most emotional episodes of Between the Notes

This is more than an interview.

It's a conversation about healing, hope, and discovering beauty in broken places.

🎙️ Hosted by Paisan Kapitan

📻 Presented by Hye Jams Radio

👍 Like, Subscribe & Share

The Heart Behind the Humor | Beno Blanko & Eddie Boy Jun 28, 2026

Show notes

They're known for making the Armenian community laugh.

But behind every joke is a story.

In this unforgettable episode of Between the Notes, Beno Blanko and Eddie Boy sit down with Paisan Kapitan for a conversation that goes far beyond comedy. They open up about entrepreneurship, family, grief, mental health, faith, purpose, and the life experiences that shaped the people behind the viral videos.

Beno shares why he believes every day should become another unforgettable page in your life's autobiography, how overcoming anxiety changed his outlook forever, and why making memories with his family matters more than building businesses. Eddie reflects on immigrating to America, creating content through difficult seasons, losing his father and grandmother, and finding the strength to keep moving forward.

Yes, there are plenty of laughs, hilarious stories, Armenian humor, and the rapid-fire bonus round you've come to expect—but this episode leaves you with something much deeper.

Sometimes the people who make us laugh the hardest have the most powerful stories to tell.

Fighting Back: When Life Had Other Plans | Ara Zada & Taline Baljian Jun 21, 2026

Show notes

Life doesn't always go according to plan.

Chef, author, television personality, and Armenian cultural ambassador Ara Zada joins Paisan Kapitan to share his incredible journey—from skateboarding and snowboarding to national television, surviving kidney cancer, and building one of the most recognizable food brands in the Armenian community.

Then, Taline Baljian opens up about her family's immigration journey, becoming the first college graduate in her family, raising twin daughters, losing a multi-store family business after COVID, and finding the courage to start over in an entirely new career when life took an unexpected turn.

From faith and family to perseverance and reinvention, this is a powerful conversation about what happens when life doesn't follow the script.

🔥 In this episode:
• Ara Zada on cancer, fatherhood, food, and fame
• The real story behind his social media success
• Taline Baljian's inspiring immigrant and family journey
• Losing everything and starting over
• Faith, resilience, and finding purpose through adversity
• The moments that changed their lives forever

🎙️ Hosted by Paisan Kapitan
📻 Presented by Hye Jams Radio

👍 Like, Subscribe & Share

#BetweenTheNotes #AraZada #TalineBaljian #HyeJamsRadio #PaisanKapitan #ArmenianPodcast #ArmenianCulture #CancerSurvivor #Entrepreneur #Faith #Resilience #Motivation #ArmenianCommunity

Eric Found Peace | Kev Found Purpose Jun 14, 2026

Show notes

What happens when two successful entertainers reach a point where fame, success, and recognition are no longer enough?

On this episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan sits down with two fascinating guests whose journeys couldn't be more different—yet somehow arrive at the same destination.

First, Armenian artist Eric Shane opens up about leaving Los Angeles for Las Vegas, finding peace after years of inner turmoil, strengthening his faith, overcoming grief, and discovering a healthier perspective on life, music, and relationships. It's a candid conversation about growth, healing, and learning to let go.

Then, joining us from England via "JAMS CAM', world-renowned entertainer Kev Orkian shares stories from an extraordinary career that has taken him from concert halls and West End stages to royal performances and international acclaim. Along the way, Kev discusses comedy, philanthropy, Armenia, mental health, and one behind-the-scenes allegation he volunteered about Britain's Got Talent that you'll have to hear for yourself.

This episode isn't about celebrity. It's about perspective.

One guest found peace.

One guest found purpose.

Both discovered that success means very little if you don't know who you are when the spotlight fades.

In this episode:

• Eric Shane on faith, healing, music, and life in Las Vegas

• The personal loss that changed everything

• Why peace became more important than fame

• Kev Orkian on comedy, music, and performing around the world

• The surprising story behind his Britain's Got Talent experience

• Mental health, resilience, and life beyond the stage

• Philanthropy work in Armenia and building a lasting legacy Subscribe for more conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, creators, and worldchangers!

DISCLAIMER

The views, opinions, statements, allegations, and personal experiences expressed by guests appearing on Between the Notes are solely those of the individual guest and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, positions, or beliefs of Chummy Inc., Hye Jams Radio, Between the Notes, its hosts, producers, sponsors, affiliates, employees, contractors, or representatives.

Guests are responsible for their own statements and characterizations of events. Any references to individuals, organizations, companies, productions, events, or public figures are presented as the guest's personal recollections, opinions, or experiences. Chummy Inc., Hye Jams Radio, and Between the Notes make no independent representations regarding the accuracy, completeness, or veracity of such statements.

This program is intended for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only.

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🎙️ SUPPORT OUR GUESTS

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🎤 ERIC SHANE

Instagram: @ericshane_

YouTube: @ericshane_

🌍 KEV ORKIAN Instagram:

@realkevorkian

YouTube: ⁨@revorkianentertainment⁩

🎙️ PAISAN KAPITAN

Instagram: @paisankapitan

www.PaisanKapitan.com

📻 HYE JAMS RADIO

Instagram: @hyejams

www.HyeJams.com

📱 Download the Hye Jams App in the App Store

🎵 Listen 24/7 to your favorite Armenian hits on the Hye Jams iHeartRadio channel

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🎬 PRODUCTION NOTES

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Featured music videos used in this production were provided by, approved by, and used with permission from the writers, producers, and performers of the featured songs, who also appeared as guests in this episode.

Background Music: Morning Light Music License #: 2510-71789

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🎥 PRODUCED BY

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Wayne Lewis

Chummy Inc.

#BetweenTheNotes #EricShane #KevOrkian #PaisanKapitan #HyeJamsRadio #BritainsGotTalent #ArmenianPodcast #ArmenianArtists #EntertainmentPodcast #FaithAndPurpose #Comedy #musicproducer

SPECIAL EDITION | Adeh Baghdasarian on HEEVAND (Imperfect) Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

SPECIAL EDITION OF BETWEEN THE NOTES

This week, Paisan Kapitan sits down with filmmaker Adeh Baghdasarian and special guest Z via "JAMS CAM" to discuss their upcoming film HEEVAND (Imperfect), premiering June 16.

More than just a movie, HEEVAND explores the reality that life isn't always perfect—and neither are the people living it. Inspired by a deeply personal story, the film tackles themes of mental health, support systems, compassion, and the importance of standing beside those who may be struggling when life takes an unexpected turn.

During this special edition conversation, Adeh shares his journey from a young storyteller inspired by The Godfather to becoming a writer, director, editor, and filmmaker determined to tell meaningful stories. Z opens up about the real-life inspiration behind the film and why its message is especially important for the Armenian community and beyond.

We also discuss:

The meaning behind the title HEEVAND (Imperfect)
The emotional challenges of bringing the film to life
The responsibility of telling stories that matter
Supporting people through difficult seasons of life
What Adeh and Z hope audiences take with them after the credits roll

HEEVAND premieres June 16 and will later be available on YouTube.

If you enjoy conversations with filmmakers, artists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to support independent Armenian media and help us continue bringing these stories to life.

Host: Paisan Kapitan
Show: Between the Notes
Presented by: Hye Jams Radio

#BetweenTheNotes #HyeJamsRadio #AdehBaghdasarian #HEEVAND #Imperfect #ArmenianFilm #IndependentFilm #MentalHealthAwareness #ArmenianCommunity #PaisanKapitan #FilmDirector #MoviePremiere #ArmenianCinema

Two Journeys. One Destination | Arman Mardigian & Alex Hasserjian and their Wild Ride to Success! Jun 07, 2026

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan sits down with two remarkable guests whose stories are built on perseverance, reinvention, faith, and the pursuit of opportunity.

🎵 International recording artist Arman Mardigian shares his incredible journey from Yerevan to Iraq during the Saddam Hussein era, through Greece, and ultimately to Los Angeles. Arman opens up about his rise from drummer and background vocalist, to one of Armenian music's most recognizable voices, his breakthrough hit in 1999, working alongside legendary artists like Paul Baghdadlian, and the life-changing health battles that deepened his faith and transformed his outlook on life.

🍨 Entrepreneur Alex Hasserjian, founder of Gelati, discusses his path from Lebanon to Canada and eventually Southern California, where he built one of the region's fastest-growing authentic Italian gelato brands. Alex shares lessons on taking risks, launching a business during COVID, fatherhood, sacrifice, and living the American Dream.

Plus, we stop by the Pasadena Armenian Festival for a quick conversation with Andrew Douglas and bring you highlights from one of Southern California's premier Armenian community celebrations.

Both are immigrant stories.

Both reinvented themselves.

Both took risks.

Both built something lasting.

👍 Like, Subscribe & Share

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🎙️ SUPPORT OUR GUESTS

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🎤 ARMAN MARDIGIAN

Instagram: @armanmardigianofficial

YouTube: @Armanmardigian

🌍 ALEX HASSERJIAN / GELATI

Instagram: @calgelati

🎤 ANDREW DOUGLAS

Instagram: @thedouglas_andrew

🎙️ PAISAN KAPITAN

Instagram: @paisankapitan

www.PaisanKapitan.com

📻 HYE JAMS RADIO

Instagram: @hyejams www.HyeJams.com

📱 Download the Hye Jams App in the App Store

🎵 Listen 24/7 to your favorite Armenian hits on the Hye Jams iHeartRadio channel

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🎬 PRODUCTION NOTES

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Background Music:

Morning Light Music License #: 2510-71789

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🎥 PRODUCED BY

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Wayne Lewis

Chummy Inc.

#ArmanMardigian #AlexHasserjian #Gelati #BetweenTheNotes #HyeJams #PaisanKapitan #ArmenianMusic #ArmenianDiaspora #AmericanDream #Entrepreneurship #PasadenaArmenianFestival

He Turned PAIN Into BARS | She Turned HERITAGE Into VIBES May 31, 2026

Show notes

What does a rising Armenian rapper with a story of redemption have in common with a Belgian-Armenian artist bringing a fresh global sound to Armenian music?

One artist turned pain into purpose. Another is blending Armenian heritage with a modern international sound.

In this episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan welcomes two rising artists from opposite sides of the world. Jake Balmain opens up about overcoming a troubled past, 2nd chances, and channeling life's challenges into music. Meanwhile, Monika Ani joins us from Belgium to discuss her unique blend of deep house, pop, R&B, and Armenian influences, along with her mission to introduce Armenian culture to a new generation of listeners around the globe.

From faith and second chances to creativity, identity, and the future of Armenian music, this episode delivers two inspiring stories from artists determined to leave their mark.

🎤 Jake Balmain discusses:
• Turning pain into music
• Leaving a difficult past behind
• Finding purpose, peace, and a second chance
• Working with Kolo and producers Jay Specs & MGO
• Upcoming collaborations and what's next in his career

🌍 Monika Ani joins via webcast from Brussels to discuss:
• Blending Armenian roots with modern global sounds
• Deep house, R&B, synthwave, and Armenian influences
• Representing Armenian culture on an international stage
• Being a female independent artist in today's music industry
• Why authenticity matters more than chasing trends

This episode is about more than music. It's about resilience, identity, and the next generation of Armenian artists creating their own path.

🔥 Featuring music, behind-the-scenes stories, artist insights, faith, redemption, and plenty of laughs along the way.

👇 Tell us in the comments:
Which artist's story resonated with you most?

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🎙️ SUPPORT OUR GUESTS
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🎤 JAKE BALMAIN

Instagram: @jakebalmain

YouTube: @jakebalmain

🌍 MONIKA ANI

Instagram: @monika.anii

YouTube: @monika-ani

🎙️ PAISAN KAPITAN

Instagram: @paisankapitan

www.PaisanKapitan.com

📻 HYE JAMS RADIO

Instagram: @hyejams

www.HyeJams.com

📱 Download the Hye Jams App in the App Store

🎵 Listen 24/7 to your favorite Armenian hits on the Hye Jams iHeartRadio channel

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🎬 PRODUCTION NOTES
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Background Music:

Morning Light Music

License #: 2510-71789

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🎥 PRODUCED BY
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Wayne Lewis

Beauty and the Hip-Hop Beasts | Featuring HAK, Narek Face and Vanessa Ansoorian May 24, 2026

Show notes

On this explosive episode of Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan brings together two powerhouse Armenian hip-hop artists and one of the most recognizable Armenian voices in entertainment media for a wild mix of music, culture, comedy, and real conversation.

International recording artists HAK and Narek Face join the studio to talk about the evolution of Armenian urban music, balancing mainstream success with authenticity, underground rap culture, social media pressure, AI’s impact on music, and the future of the Armenian entertainment scene. The chemistry between these two artists is undeniable as they break down their creative process, collaborations, and the challenges of building careers in Armenian music while staying true to themselves.

The episode takes an unforgettable turn when HAK and Narek Face deliver a surprise LIVE impromptu in-studio performance of an unreleased track — putting their raw talent on full display in one of the most spontaneous moments ever featured on Between the Notes.

Joining the conversation is Vanessa Ansoorian — social media personality and Chief of Staff to the President of one of the world’s biggest entertainment companies, Disney Television. Vanessa dives into Armenian culture, viral Armenian sayings, preserving language and identity online, corporate entertainment culture, and gives inspiring career advice to young Armenian women looking to succeed in media and entertainment.

From hilarious cultural moments to deep industry insight, this episode delivers nonstop energy, laughs, music, and authentic conversation the way only Hye Jams can.

🔥 LIKE • COMMENT • SUBSCRIBE 🔥

SUPPORT OUR GUESTS:

HAK

IG: @hak_92_offf

YouTube: @officialHAK

*Also on Spotify, Apple Music and Hye Jams Radio

For booking USA +1 (818) 804-7666 - Galust Armenia +37477033400 (viber) - Arsen

Narek Face

IG: @narekface

YouTube: @narekface

*Also on Spotify, Apple Music and Hye Jams Radio

Vanessa Ansoorian

IG: @vanessaveee

TikTok: @vanessaveeee

Paisan Kapitan

IG: @paisankapitan

www.PaisanKapitan.com

Hye Jams Radio

IG: @hyejams

www.HyeJams.com

(Download Hye Jams app in the App Store)

Listen 24/7 to your favorite Armenian jams on Hye Jams iHeartRadio page

Featured Music Videos used in this production were provided by and approved by the writers, producers and performers of both tracks who coincidentally appeared in this interview.

Background Music by:

Morning Light Music

Lic# 2510-71789

Produced by: Wayne Lewis

"Bomba" and the BonBons | Featuring Incredible Singer/Songwriter + Anna's Delights Co-Owner May 17, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a world-renowned singer/songwriter sits down with one of the 'sweetest' and most driven personalities in the dessert world… and neither one is afraid to laugh, open up, and keep it real? You get “BOMBA AND THE BONBON” — one of the most unexpectedly fun and heartfelt episodes of Hye Jams: Between the Notes to date.

Hosted by Paisan Kapitan, this episode features international recording artist Bomba Lia alongside Rose from Anna's Delights, who not only brought warmth and humor to the conversation, but also brought tasty goodies and stepped in throughout the show as Lia’s translator — creating a unique chemistry that made the entire interview feel personal, authentic, and wildly entertaining.

From music and culture to personality, passion, and a few hilarious moments in between, this episode proves that great conversation doesn’t always need perfect translation… sometimes the vibe says everything.

Expect stories, laughter, inspiration, and enough sweetness to spike your blood sugar just watching it. Somebody get Paisan an espresso and a pastry immediately.

Featuring:

Bomba Lia IG: @bombaliaofficial YoutTube: @LIA-jo2gj *Also on Spotify, Apple Music and Hye Jams Radio Bookings: (310) 600 2006

Anna's Delights IG: @annas_delights TikTok: annasdelights1

Paisan Kapitan IG: @paisankapitan www,PaisanKapitan.com

Hye Jams Radio IG: @hyejams www.HyeJams.com (Download Hye Jams app in the App Store)

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Background Music by: Morning Light Music Lic# 2510-71789

Produced by: Wayne Lewis, Chummy Inc

130 lbs Lighter but Still Pushing His Weight on the Mic | Big E with Hicham Touhami & 'GATA HAVIT May 10, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Hye Jams: Between the Notes, Paisan Kapitan welcomes Armenian hip-hop heavyweight Big E Mastermindz and international singer/guitarist Hicham Touhami for one of the most entertaining and unpredictable episodes yet.

Big E opens up about his unbelievable 130+ pound transformation, working alongside Krayzie Bone from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, the evolution of Armenian hip-hop, and the new music he’s preparing to unleash. From street anthems to real-life struggles, Big E keeps it raw, honest, and inspiring.

Then things go international when Morocco’s own Hicham Touhami joins the show with his incredible multilingual sound, blending Arabic, Spanish, English, French, and Armenian influences into one unforgettable performance. What starts as a casual interview quickly turns into a spontaneous live jam session that completely takes over the studio.

And yes… Paisan finally learns how to make fresh Armenian GATA at Grandridge Market — proving once and for all that “GATA” is actually short for “GATA HAVIT.”

This episode has:

🔥 Live performances

🔥 Crazy stories

🔥 Weight loss motivation

🔥 Armenian culture

🔥 International music vibes

🔥 Spontaneous comedy

🔥 And enough GATA to feed Glendale

SPECIAL FEATURE: • Paisan learns how to make fresh Armenian GATA at Grandridge Market in Granada Hills

FOLLOW & SUPPORT:

🎤 Paisan Kapitan

www.PaisanKapitan.com