By Will Rucker
5
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The podcast currently has 98 episodes available.
🎙️ Compassionate Responses to Systemic Violence | Special Guests: Ann Helmke & Felipe Zurita
In this powerful episode of Compassionate Las Vegas: The Podcast, Geneva Blackmer moderates a conversation with podcast host Will Rucker, Ann Helmke, faith liaison for the City of San Antonio, and Felipe Zurita from the Charter for Compassion, to explore how compassion can disrupt and dismantle systemic violence. Together, they dive into the real-world impact of compassion-driven initiatives that address systemic issues like poverty, racism, and inequality.
🌟 What You’ll Learn:
Tune in for an inspiring, actionable discussion on how compassion can transform society from the ground up. Whether you're looking for practical tips or deep insights, this episode offers something for everyone committed to making a difference.
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation on how we can create a more compassionate world!
#SystemicViolence #Compassion #SocialJustice #SelfCompassion #CompassionateCities #Equity #HumanConnection
Join host Will Rucker as he engages in a profound conversation with Ole, a dedicated advocate for global compassion and member of the Global Charter for Compassion. Ole's life-altering transition from a successful business career to a mission-driven journey for a better world sets the stage for this insightful episode.
During the episode, Ole delves into his transformative experience, ignited by a cancer diagnosis and subsequent interactions with visionary Barbara Max Hubbard. This shift steered him toward fostering a compassionate world, emphasizing the concept of "homo universalis" or the connected human. The discussion navigates through critical themes such as holistic community health in Las Vegas, the impact of genuine human connections, and addressing the increasing wealth gap. Ole shares his observations from both the global and Scandinavian perspectives, highlighting the necessity of unity and understanding to overcome societal challenge.
Ole Kjörrefjord
Origin: Norway, currently residing in Sweden.
Background: Spent 20 years helping entrepreneurs build companies, former senior partner at McKinsey & Company.
Transition: Left his professional positions to focus on global betterment after a cancer diagnosis in 2016.
Focus: Dedicated to fostering compassion and creating a better world through connecting transformative practices globally.
Personal: Works with the Global Charter for Compassion, passionate grandfather.
Enjoyed this conversation? Don’t miss out on the full episode to explore these themes in-depth and stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on Compassionate Las Vegas, the podcast where compassion inspires action.
About the Guest:
Pedro Silva II is an insightful thought leader committed to fostering compassion and understanding in diverse communities. He is known for his work in the areas of belonging, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Silva is also a podcaster, an author, and someone who deeply values authentic relationships and big love. He has a unique way of seeing the world, often challenging conventional perspectives with his fresh, honest insights.
Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode of Compassionate Las Vegas, host Will Rucker welcomes back Pedro Silva, a beacon of love and compassion, for a profound discussion on the nature of belonging, DEI, and transformative big love. Silva shares powerful stories and experiences, including his relationship with the influential Bishop Carlton Pearson.
This episode delves into the importance of learning journeys and the impact of societal norms on our behavior and psyche. Silva recounts his personal journey and the lessons learned from Pearson, emphasizing the idea of bridging cultures and the pure joy derived from 'big love.'
Silva challenges the fear of being wrong and discusses how this fear is often rooted in our inherent fear of death. This mindset, he explains, affects our education system and societal structures that prioritize the 'right answers' over the learning process. The episode touches upon how early educational experiences and societal expectations shape our perspectives on success and belonging. Drawing from his own life, Silva talks about the power of honesty and clarity, even in difficult situations. He sees autism as his superpower, providing him with a unique perspective on life.
The episode concludes with Rucker and Silva exploring the importance of embracing change and evolution in people, and Silva sharing thought-provoking insights on love and human connection through a series of rapid-fire sentence completions.
Key Takeaways:
The Fear of Being Wrong: Silva highlights that many people's fear of being wrong is deeply tied to a fundamental fear of death, which impacts their ability to embrace learning journeys.
Big Love and Transformation: Reflecting on Bishop Carlton Pearson’s legacy, Silva discusses how profound love can lead to personal transformation and societal backlash.
Education and Belonging: The episode examines the current education system’s focus on right answers and gold stars, jeopardizing genuine learning and belonging.
Honesty as a Superpower: Silva shares his personal experiences of honesty and clarity, advocating for direct communication as a way to foster true understanding.
Embracing Change: The conversation emphasizes the importance of accepting and celebrating personal and societal change, seeing it as a natural part of growth.
Resources:
Pedro Silva's Email: [email protected]
Podcast: What's So Funny About? with Pedro Silva
Instagram: Therooflesschurch
Blogs: The Roofless Church and It's All In Me
Tune in to the full episode of Compassionate Las Vegas with Will Rucker to explore these themes in-depth and to gain more insights from Pedro Silva. Stay engaged for more enlightening content that inspires action through compassion and understanding.
About the Guest:
Pedro Silva is an accomplished professional with a robust background in diverse fields including military service, linguistics, corporate recruitment, pastoral work, and social advocacy. An Air Force veteran fluent in Mandarin, Pedro moved into corporate recruitment before transitioning into pastoral roles. He served as a pastor for six and a half years and is deeply involved in the bridging movement, which aims to unite people across different divides.
Pedro is also an advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and works tirelessly to promote greater interconnectedness and understanding in communities. Episode Summary: In this compelling episode of Compassionate Las Vegas, host Will Rucker is joined by Pedro Silva, a multitalented individual dedicated to fostering compassion and unity across various social divides.
Following their engaging conversation during some recent trainings, Will brings Pedro on to explore themes of belonging, diversity, equity, and the deeper human condition. Through his rich and diverse background that spans military service, corporate recruitment, pastoral work, and social advocacy, Pedro shares valuable insights into how we can cultivate a more compassionate and inclusive society. Throughout the episode, Pedro Silva delves into the concept of compassion, elucidating it through his experience with the Chinese term "da ai" (big love).
He narrates his journey from the Air Force to becoming a corporate recruiter, and eventually a pastor, highlighting how these roles expanded his understanding of relationships and interconnectedness. He underscores the importance of embracing diversity and the inherent belonging of every individual. By reflecting on the current state of polarization and how fear of death and competition for resources inhibit our collective growth, Pedro offers a thoughtful perspective on how to overcome these barriers through acceptance, compassion, and transformative dialogue.
Key Takeaways:
Big Love as Compassion: Pedro Silva introduces the concept of "da ai," or big love, as a fundamental definition of compassion, urging us to look beyond differences to find common ground.
Belonging and Identity: The discussion centers on the intrinsic belonging of every individual and how societal narratives often mislead people into questioning their inherent worth and place.
Diversity as Reality: Pedro suggests that diversity is an undeniable reality and a vital component of a thriving society, countering the notion that DEI initiatives are competitive threats.
Shifting Paradigms: Emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift from power-over dynamics to a model of universal belonging and shared power.
Facing Mortality: Pedro shares profound insights on accepting the inevitability of death to fully embrace life, cultivate compassion, and work together for collective well-being.
"We trust technology more than we trust each other." - Arun Vishwanath
About the Guest:
Arun Vishwanath is a cognitive behavioral scientist who specializes in the nexus of technology and human behavior. He has devoted over 20 years as a tenured professor to studying technology use and deception, focusing on cyber hygiene and cybersecurity. Arun has written extensively in major media outlets, including CNN and The Washington Post, and is an advocate for integrating digital safety into educational systems. Currently, he is the founder of the Cyber Hygiene Academy, an organization dedicated to teaching digital safety skills to children, parents, and educators.
Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode of Compassionate Las Vegas, host Will Rucker delves into the crucial topic of cyber hygiene with expert guest Arun, a seasoned cognitive behavioral scientist and cybersecurity advocate. The conversation kicks off with Arun’s profound definition of compassion, highlighting the essential role of action in truly understanding and addressing human needs.
With a backdrop in teaching and media advocacy, Arun shares his journey from academia to founding the Cyber Hygiene Academy, underscoring the importance of educating the younger generation on digital safety. Throughout the episode, Arun unpacks the significance of cyber hygiene, drawing parallels to everyday personal hygiene routines. He discusses the evolving landscape of technology, the risks associated with digital spaces, and the critical need for effective, age-appropriate cyber education. Highlighting real-world examples, such as data breaches within the Clark County school system, Arun emphasizes the role of educators and parents in fostering a safe digital environment.
The conversation also touches on the debate over banning smartphones in schools and advocates for a more permissive, educational approach to technology use among children.
Resources:
Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/r/VbEtc1c9V4
Arun's Cyber Hygiene Academy: https://cyberhygieneacademy.com/
Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on Compassionate Las Vegas, the podcast where compassion meets action. Don't miss this episode for more on ensuring digital safety and fostering a secure future for the younger generation.
About Erica Mosca:
Erica Mosca is a changemaker with roots deeply embedded in community development and educational equity. As the founder and past executive director of Leaders in Training (LiT), she has dedicated her career to fostering leadership amongst youth, particularly those from underserved communities. Erica is recognized for being the first Filipina to serve in the Nevada Legislature, representing Assembly District 14. Her professional journey includes being a Teach for America corps member and a fierce advocate for equity, opportunity, and access to education.
Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode of Compassionate Las Vegas, we have the privilege of engaging with Erica Mosca, a beacon of community development and educational advocacy in Southern Nevada. Erica dives into her heartfelt belief in the power of social capital and the impact of cultivating genuine connections within communities.
Erica takes us through her humble beginnings, her path to founding a transformative nonprofit organization, and her evolution into a legislator representing East Las Vegas. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism, the essence of empathy in leadership, and the potential of every individual to become a catalyst for change. Erica’s insights into systemic challenges and her solutions driven by data and community involvement provide a thought-provoking narrative on creating sustainable progress.
Key Takeaways:
Listen to this episode with Erica Mosca to experience the power of compassion and determination to improve community well-being. Her story not only showcases the transformative impact one individual can have but also inspires anyone looking to make a difference in their own community.
Subscribe and tune in for more inspirational content from Compassionate Las Vegas.
I always felt that every day from the time that my grandparents fled Europe was a gift to me and my family. And what you do with a gift is you pay it forward. - Shelley Berkley
About the Guest:
Shelley Berkley is a renowned figure in public service, with a career spanning over three decades. She has served as a member of the Nevada State Assembly and as a U.S. Congresswoman. In her post-political career, Berkley became the CEO and Senior Provost of Touro University Nevada, playing a pivotal role in the education of the next generation of healthcare providers. Her work includes significant contributions to the Las Vegas community, one of her proudest achievements being her involvement in the establishment of a full-service VA hospital in North Las Vegas.
Episode Summary:
In this compelling episode of Compassionate Las Vegas, host Will Rucker sits down with Shelley Berkley, a beacon of compassion and public service in Las Vegas. Get ready for an inspiring journey through the lens of a seasoned public servant as she shares her personal philosophies on compassion, community involvement, and the power of hope. The conversation delves deep into the essence of compassion as Berkley defines it: the inherent desire to treat others as we would want to be treated and the active pursuit of lending a hand to those in need. Weaving in stories from her rich family history and her extensive experience in public service, Shelley discusses the role compassion has played in her life and her ongoing commitment to the city of Las Vegas. She explores pressing issues such as homelessness, public safety, and affordable housing, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan efforts and community input in effecting meaningful change.
Tune in to the full episode of "Compassionate Las Vegas" with Will Rucker and guest Shelley Berkley for a deep dive into the impact of compassion on one's approach to public service and the many ways we can contribute to making our communities a better place for all. Stay connected for more episodes that inspire action and foster a world rich in empathy and courageous action.
"Healing is the outcome of being yourself." - Lauren Sunshine
About the Guest:
Lauren Sunshine is a thinker, creator, and advocate passionately centered around the themes of gender healing and self-alignment. As a content creator, group facilitator, and digital strategist, Lauren focuses on the transformative power of personal gender exploration to forge a more connected, creative, and compassionate approach to life.
Her work at the LGBTQ center involves developing trans-inclusive programs and fostering vulnerable conversations that often lead to communal and individual healing. Lauren is also the voice behind the 'Gender Alchemy' podcast, which can be found on various platforms, discussing topics close to her work and heart.
Episode Summary: In this impactful episode of Compassionate Las Vegas - the Podcast, host Will Rucker introduces listeners to the inviting world of Lauren Sunshine, a vibrant advocate for gender healing and compassion. As a trans person deeply immersed in creating digital content centered around vulnerability and community, Lauren shares her unique perspective on life, acceptance, and the power of being oneself to heal and connect with the world around us.
Lauren speaks to the core of her beliefs, explaining that true alignment with oneself naturally cultivates a life filled with compassion. She emphasizes that healing can be a simple byproduct of embracing our organic selves, which are inherently geared toward self-regeneration. Lauren approaches the complexities and judgments of the world with a tranquil curiosity and a focus on positive self-evolution, encouraging others to extend the compassion they seek from the world back into it. As the conversation delves into the interconnection of all beings, Lauren illuminates the idea that forgiveness is akin to shedding a burden, allowing for a more empowered and peaceful existence.
Key Takeaways:
True alignment with oneself opens the pathway to a deeply connected and compassionate approach to life. Healing is an organic outcome of living authentically and embracing one's essence.
Forgiveness is depicted as the act of releasing a weight tied to resistance and embracing life as it is.
Acknowledging the consistency in nature and animals can provide a simpler, safer avenue toward practicing interrelation skills.
The breath is highlighted as a fundamental, uniting force that offers insights into core universal truths and the duality of life.
Resources:
Lauren Sunshine’s podcast Gender Alchemy can be found on YouTube and podcast platforms. Further information on Lauren’s offerings can be found at laurensunshine.com
As we close this profoundly enlightening conversation with Lauren Sunshine, we invite you to immerse yourself in the full breadth of her wisdom by listening to this episode. Stay tuned to Compassionate Las Vegas - the Podcast for more episodes that promise to enrich, inspire, and challenge the contours of compassion in our everyday lives.
"Justice in the pursuit of equity is going to be an ongoing conversation for generations to come. We all should have equal access and opportunities to succeed, irrespective of our backgrounds." - Kara Jenkins
About the Guest:
In this episode of Compassionate Las Vegas - the Podcast, host Will Rucker introduces us to guest Kara Jenkins, an influential figure who has been appointed by the governor to the Nevada Equal Rights Commission. For over twelve years, Jenkins has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of individuals across various protected categories such as race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or age.
She is instrumental in investigating cases of housing discrimination, employment discrimination, and public accommodation discrimination. With a legal background and appointments to significant public service roles, Jenkins's career is defined by her commitment to justice, equity, and lifting marginalized voices in the state of Nevada.
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode of Compassionate Las Vegas - the Podcast, host Will Rucker engages in a profound dialogue with Kara Jenkins, diving deep into the themes of compassion and justice within the sphere of public service. Jenkins sheds light on the integral work of the Nevada Equal Rights Commission and the nuances of addressing discrimination and inequality. Kara Jenkins passionately articulates the complexities that come with enforcing equality laws, including the confidential and often under-the-radar nature of their crucial work. She touches upon the responsibilities of her commission, emphasizing the significance of giving everyone—irrespective of their background—a fair shot and access to opportunities.
This episode is a beacon for understanding the intersection of compassion and legislation, echoing the podcast's theme of making a real difference in people's lives. Jenkins also opens up about the personal aspects which shape her dedication to public service, highlighting the influence of her upbringing, the loss of her father, and her spiritual faith. The conversation navigates the terrain of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), discussing its critical role and the challenges it faces in the current societal climate.
Listeners will find inspiration in Jenkins's journey as a product of affirmative action and her determination to uplift her community through her work.
Key Takeaways:
The Nevada Equal Rights Commission is dedicated to ensuring fair treatment for individuals regardless of their immutable characteristics, tackling discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations.
Compassion is a verb; it represents daily action and intentional living to support and empower others, even in the face of adversity or discomfort.
DEI initiatives are crucial for providing the necessary exposure and opportunities for underrepresented groups to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.
Personal conviction, support from friends and family, and spiritual faith are central to sustaining one's dedication to public service.
Resources:
Nevada Equal Rights Commission Website: www.detr.nv.gov
Las Vegas Office Phone: 702-486-7161 | Reno Office Phone: 775-823-6690
Join us for the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of the role compassion plays in the quest for justice and how individuals like Kara Jenkins are making strides in creating a more equitable society. Don't miss out on more informative and heartening content to come from Compassionate Las Vegas.
About the Guest:
David Gershon, an esteemed founder of the Empowerment Institute, is a visionary leader who has dedicated his career to advancing the global movement of peace and empowerment. Renowned for orchestrating an event that saw a symbolic flame traversed worldwide, David ignites a spirit of peace in the hearts of global citizens.
With an ambitious mission of achieving peace on earth by 2030 and an established strategy of seven steps to get there, he seeks to usher humanity into a golden age. Gershon has also authored transformational works such as Social Change 2.0 and co-created the institute alongside Gail Straub, contributing his expertise to sculpt a more harmonious world.
Episode Summary:
In this thought-provoking episode of Compassionate Las Vegas - the Podcast, host Will Rucker welcomes the return of David Gershon to delve deeper into his ambitious mission for global peace by 2030. The conversation opens with an inspiring vision: transitioning society towards a golden age built on principles of peace and community evolution, a concept David is fervently working towards actualizing. David Gershon unpacks a comprehensive peace-building framework known as the peace game, grounded in seven foundational practices.
Rooted in empowerment, the methodology is a system designed to evolve human consciousness from the individual level outwards. Gershon shares ingenious insights on these practices, emphasizing the transformation from static paradigms to organic growth, fostering a living, evolving community. The episode traverses the path from building individual capacity for peace to cultivating universal cooperation and sowing the seeds for a movement that can tip the scales toward global harmony.
Key Takeaways:
Empowering Vision: Gershon introduces a strategic shift from pathology to a vision-centric approach, with "empowerment" being the first and foundational step of the peace game.
Oneness and Unity: By befriending 'the other' and celebrating common humanity, the practices of oneness and unity break down barriers and encourage inclusive environments.
Economic and Social Tipping Points: The peace game envisions 40 million global participants by 2030 - a tipping point that can radically change collective belief systems and social norms.
Supporting Abundance and Love: Contributions towards groups facilitating harmony bolster a spirit of abundance, while prayers and visualization for peace amplify spiritual energy.
Faith and Mobilization: Faith in the collective capacity for change culminates in inviting others to join the peace game, thus building a movement toward the envisioned golden age.
Resources:
David Gershon's book for change strategies and methodologies: "Social Change 2.0: A Blueprint for Reinventing Our World" (Available on Amazon)
Empowerment Institute (Co-created with Gail Straub): empowermentinstitute.net
Peace game and movement website: peace2030.earth
Join us on this enlightening journey towards global peace by tuning in to the full episode of Compassionate Las Vegas - the Podcast. This conversation with David Gershon imparts invaluable wisdom and actions that can lead us toward a collective golden age. Stay engaged with our podcast for more insightful content that enhances our mission of compassion and community transformation.
The podcast currently has 98 episodes available.