Today on the podcast we speak with A-Lan Holt- acclaimed poet, playwright and professor. We connect about:

• Approaching parenting as a form of self-actualization
• The ways to be softened by, instead of hardened by challenges - thinking of parenting as a process of cleaning up the mess, thereby supporting us and our kids
• The idea of transforming curses into cures -- that just beyond the pain is something useful
• How showing up and just sitting though whatever meets us at that moment is a superpower
• The power of chosen, intentional family
• Why our stories are worth remembering and worth being present to - the ways in which we can powerfully shape the narrative as storytellers
• The relationship of imbalance between men and women in the cultural conversation around parenting
• How to take shame away from being in service to ourselves-- also known as the quickest way to dismantle the patriarchy
• That growing up has more to do with saying yes to a call that deserves a response
• How to let your creativity (and child!) be what it wants in the world
• Why it’s not about making “good art”, but about making markings along the way
• How we can all strive to make love out of messy situations

Relevant links: Issa Rae, Stanford’s Institute for Diversity in the Arts, Moonwork

This episode is supported by Daughter of the Land -- a skincare line defined by simplicity, authenticity and purpose. Learn more about Daughter of the Land and support Upbringing by visiting today’s show notes or our Partner’s page.

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