Robert Walason has lived many lives. Author, producer, and self-described "comeback kid," the Rhode Island local sat down with the Wave to talk about his ambitious Boss Angel series, a new fitness venture, and a fitness invention that just might change the way we work out.
Fact, Fiction, and the Boss Angel
Walason's latest project is as ambitious as it is creative. The Boss Angel series—based on his three-book series of the same name—explores a compelling "what if" premise: what if a guardian angel could travel back in time to save iconic figures who died before their time?
"What if things were different?" Walason asks. "What if we could go back in time, take one individual, and repair all the wrong?"
The concept traces back to a question that has lingered with Walason since childhood—what if John F. Kennedy had never been shot? That seed of an idea eventually blossomed into the Boss Angel character: a flawed man tasked by an archangel with saving 45 people who died "undeservingly" before earning his place in heaven.
The first episode, Marilyn and the Kennedys, is already available to watch for free on Walason's Facebook page (Robert Wallace). His film Unmade—a more autobiographical work—is available on Amazon Prime Video and, by his account, still performing well.
The second episode centers on Jim Morrison, who died at 27. The Boss Angel recruits an unlikely team—including Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix—to save the rock legend. Coming episodes will feature Al Capone, Martin Luther King Jr., Whitney Houston, Billie Holiday, Marlon Brando, and Janis Joplin, among others. Walason is currently in talks with Netflix to pick up the series.
"Take the fact all the way to the death," Walason explains, "and that's where the fiction comes in."
Walason is careful to distinguish his storytelling from conspiracy theory. The series draws on historical records and widely discussed theories, then imagines an alternate outcome. It's a formula that has clearly resonated—both books are available on Amazon, and viewer interest in the series continues to grow.
Getting Back in Fighting Shape—Literally
When Walason isn't writing screenplays, he's boxing. At nearly 69 years old, he has taken up a unique fitness routine that blends boxing with music and performance—filming himself hitting a heavy bag to the sounds of Barry White and Teddy Pendergrass.
"I love music. R&B soul—that's my definition of myself," he says with a grin.
What began as a personal fitness challenge has quickly evolved into something bigger. Walason is now planning a subscription-based platform where fans can request songs, dedications, and even specific outfits.
"I'm going to get in shape like I'm ready to fight Tyson and Rocky Marciano at the same time," he laughs.
He's also encouraging others to pick up a punching bag and join him.
The Easy Jump: A New Fitness Invention
Perhaps the most surprising development in Walason's already eventful life is the Easy Jump—a fitness tool he co-invented with Jimmy Rosa. Similar in motion to a jump rope, the Easy Jump features two separate handles with no connecting rope, making it accessible to those who struggle with traditional jump ropes.
"Do you know how many people would jump rope if it wasn't connected? About 94% of people in the world," says Walason. "We want them all to jump."
The Easy Jump has already been accepted by the Home Shopping Network and allows users to perform a full-body workout—squats, lunges, bicep curls, and tricep extensions—all while spinning the handles. The ropes even glow in the dark.
Walason calls it "brand spanking new" and has plans to develop a full instructional guide to accompany it.
A Life That Keeps Moving Forward
With a film on Amazon, a series in development, a fitness platform in the works, and a new invention on the market, Walason shows no signs of slowing down. For someone who has spoken openly about a difficult past, his current chapter reads more like a third act than a finale.
"Everything that happens to any of us—it's God," he says simply. "It's not me."


Robert Walason's film Unmade is available on Amazon Prime Video. The first episode of Boss Angel can be viewed for free on his Facebook page, Robert Wallace. His books are available on Amazon.
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​For many, the pandemic was a time of pause, but for Rhode Island native Ashley Ernest, it was the catalyst for a cross-country adventure that would eventually birth a unique local business. After spending six and a half months traveling the United States in a camper with her husband, Matthew, and their son, Tate, Ernest returned to the Ocean State with a bold vision. She took that very camper, stripped it down, and transformed it into the Creative Wanderings Art Center (CWAC)—a fully functioning mobile art studio.
"It kind of came out of nowhere," Ernest shared during a recent Spotlight Interview at the Cowesett Inn. "I was at home with my son and realized I needed more. I had spent a lot of time teaching kids... so it was just the right time at the right moment."
Ernest is no stranger to the arts. She holds a B.A. from Rhode Island College and an M.F.A. from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design. With over 20 years of experience as an arts educator, she has worked with communities ranging from Providence to Philadelphia.
Today, her mobile studio brings creativity directly to the community. CWAC travels throughout New England, catering primarily to families and children ages 5 to 11, though they also host adult events and corporate team-building workshops. The camper brings everything needed for a successful art session—tables, chairs, and supplies—and features an awning that can comfortably seat up to 36 children. In cases of inclement weather or school enrichment programs, the CWAC team effortlessly moves the creative experience indoors.
Students can engage in a diverse array of projects, from sewing mini stuffies and building wind chimes to working with wood and clay. Drawing on her metalsmithing background, Ernest even hopes to introduce a mobile jewelry bench in the future to teach older kids the art of soldering.
For Ernest, the business is about much more than just crafting; it's about filling a critical gap in education and providing a therapeutic outlet for youth. "They take away the arts first in schools, which is unfortunate," she notes. "Kids can really hone in on their art, and it acts as a stress relief."
Currently based in Providence, Creative Wanderings Art Center continues to expand its reach, offering seasonal art camps, after-school enrichments, and private parties.
To learn more about booking an event or to register for their upcoming summer camps beginning in July, visit www.CreativeWanderingsArt.com.

​Providence’s own Billy Manzo Jr. is known for a lot of things—he’s an acclaimed chef, the owner of Federal Hill Pizza, and one of only two American-born Certified Master Pizzaioli trained in Italy. Now, the local culinary icon is gearing up for a new challenge: a potential run for State Representative in Providence's District 7.
In a recent interview with the Rhode Island Wave, Manzo opened up about his journey from a local busboy to a world-renowned pizza champion, and why he’s looking to take his passion for the community to the State House.
The Science of Pizza
Manzo’s culinary journey began long before his Master Pizzaiolo certification. Growing up in the 5th Ward and working as a busboy at local staples like the Blue Grotto and Capriccio's, he absorbed the fundamentals of cooking. He later relied on his formal education—a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication/Media Studies from Rhode Island College—to dig deeper into the "why" of cooking.
"My forte has always been the science," Manzo explained. "I really loved the story of flour and where it came from and the why and the history... and then I started making my own flour because it made a different flavor profile."
His business acumen led him to own and operate Sikar Cafe & Lounge for 16 years. When state regulations required him to serve food, he pivoted to pizza, eventually founding Federal Hill Pizza and launching a massive wholesale operation. He even developed a frozen pizza project in cooperation with the Galbani Cheese Corporation, though he temporarily paused the venture to care for his family when his wife fell ill.
"Family first," Manzo emphasized. "So I had to put my project on hold and be a dad to my daughter."
A New Recipe for Rhode Island Politics
With his family's health stabilized and his business ventures thriving, Manzo is now turning his attention toward local government. He stated he is "about 95, 98% now" committed to running for State Representative in District 7, the very neighborhood where he grew up.
For Manzo, the motivation to run stems from a deep love for Providence’s diverse melting pot and a desire to bring practical, conversation-driven leadership to a state facing economic struggles.
"I think if I were to run, what I'm going to bring to the table is something that I haven't seen in years. And it's called just having the conversation," Manzo said, noting his frustration with the toxic walls often built in modern politics. "Why would you go to the State House and everybody talks about each other? I don't get it. So I hope I can bring a very fresh tone to the table."
Manzo is focused on tangible economic development, pointing to a lack of major construction and development in the area aside from ongoing bridge repairs. Coming from a family of laborers and teamsters, he strongly advocates for supporting the trades and bringing steady work to Rhode Island.
"My dad was a laborer for 40 years through Laborers International. I went to college through the laborers. The unions are phenomenal," he stated.
What’s Next?
Before cleaning up anyone else's backyard, Manzo believes in making sure his own house is in order. With a supportive family and a successful career, he feels ready to take a seat at the table and advocate for his neighbors.
While an official campaign launch is still pending, locals can follow his journey—both culinary and political—on his social media pages under "Billy Manzo Pizza." As Manzo puts it: "Everything will flow through Billy Manzo Pizza because with food comes the conversation."