Introduction to Season One of the Make Jax Weird Podcast

https://www.makejaxweird.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/MJW-Intro-PT.mp3

Welcome to Season One of the Make Jax Weird Podcast!

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Goliath Flores is an impressive multi-instrumentalist and composer who blends together flamenco and Latin rhythms and resides and performs in Jacksonville, FL. He can be hired for live performances and to compose original theme music for your creative endeavors. He created the theme song for this podcast and took the time to soundtrack this entire episode to showcase just a portion of his talent. He also started Duval’s first Mariachi band, ever! How cool is that?! You can check out some more of his work and contact for booking at www.goliathflores.com

Patricia Flores, creator of Make Jax Weird and host of the show is also a counselor in private practice. She uses Internal Family Systems and Neurobiologically-Informed Attachment Theory to heal trauma, move past mental blocks and support her clients to live full, wholehearted lives. Counseling sessions are in office on the Southside and online coaching via Zoom is available to clients anywhere in the world. She is also a yoga teacher and currently teaches Mommy + Me classes at Soluna Yoga + Spa in Avondale. Learn more at www.infiniteselfhelp.com

In this episode you get the privilege of hearing my bravely practice my public speaking skills and go over two main topics: The history and backstory behind the creation of Make Jax Weird and the philosophy behind the movement.

The original “Weird” movement began in Austin, TX, when local shop owners started displaying the slogan Keep Austin Weird to combat big box stores moving in and putting the local hot spots out of business. The campaign worked, and Austin maintains a groovy mix of eclectic, original and creative businesses. The slogan spread to other cities, becoming Keep Portland Weird and Keep Seattle Weird.

In 2011 when I was visiting Ft. Worth, TX, I saw a sticker that said MAKE FT WORTH WEIRD. I felt a wild inspiration stir inside, and I thought a sticker that said Make Jax Weird would be too cool. The idea sat in the back corner of my mind for a year, when I had a strong insight hit me – if I don’t make the sticker it won’t exist! I took the leap, started an Instagram account, eventually ordered stickers and began anonymously spreading them around town in Jacksonville.

Philosophy-wise, there are three main points to Make Jax Weird.

The definition of Weird – basically, weird means awesome! Whatever is different or cool that you want to see more of. It could be funky local businesses, support for local artists, support for social justice issues amidst a sea of conservative ideals, or seeking alternative holistic mind-body practices like yoga, acupuncture or energy work. It could be seeking counseling instead of pretending like everything is okay, or checking out interfaith congregations, or getting out of your bubble and going to events on the other side of town. It could be choosing to spread light and kindness instead of cynicism and an “it is how it is” mentality.

Action. Taking the inspired idea inside of you and physically manifesting it in 3D. This is the insight that led me to actually create the sticker I held in my mind – I realized that the very message I want the sticker to inspire, the “make” part of Make Jax Weird, is the exact message I myself needed to make that sticker a reality! The purpose of MJW is to inspire others who see it to take action, to MAKE Jacksonville a little bit Weirder by contributing their unique expression in our community. It could be an art project, business idea, volunteer effort, or inspired action to connect with a neighbor or friend in a new way. It could be reaching out to apologize and mend an old disagreement, or offering to mow your neighbor’s lawn or host a block party. Community, connection, creation, collaboration, it’s all Wei