Empathy Evolution

Elise and Jenny McWilliams are beautiful wives that have a young son named Edison (who pays us a visit on the episode)! They discuss navigating religion and being a member of a Baptist church as a gay couple. Elsie discusses how she came out to family and friends that were a part of the church community and the challenges that came with it. They cover the topic of acceptance and their journey of Christianity together. Elise identifies as a Christian and Jenny identifies as agnostic which sparks an incredible conversation.

This episode will challenge some to find acceptance in love, in community, and to understand LGBTQ+ Christians.  

What is two-spirit, non-binary, non-gender conforming. If you have been part of the world of social media the terms they/them are becoming as important as ever. Bri and Becca invite their friend Hane Skot to join the conversation and discuss how empathy impacts a persons transition and gender identity. We talk from definition, the journey from someone who embraced both spirits they felt inside them, and how they like the world to see and interact with them now. We also talk about the challenging things, like being mis-gendered by others and how to handle that with empathy as an ally, as the mis-gendered individual, or even the person who may have not understood their gender identity.

On this Episode of Empathy Evolution Bri and Becca dive deep into the world of youth and collegiate sports with Shanna Pearson, a coach and mentor for this high performance athletes. Bri being a college athlete herself has a unique perspective from her own journey. The big questions circling after Simone Biles Olympic run is commitment to self or commitment to sport. Where does mental health and the push to perfection find balance. All of this is a welcome topic in a time when raising children is harder than ever especially if they have high athletic goals and aptitude.

Meet Bryen Ballard, founder of the non-profit Sportsmen Giving Back. The story of this organization goes back a full decade supporting famlies with children who have disabilities, other local non-profits and brings a community together annually to give back in a major way. Bryen, a humble soul, discusses his journey of having his own child with a rare genetic disease and how he was enlightened by others struggling with poverty, divorce and finances which ultimately led him on a path to giving his life to helping others.

What if you were feeling ill and found out that you'd only have 3 months to live? This is the beginning of the story of how the Nikki Mitchell Foundation was brought into the world of Pancreatic Cancer. We talk with the President of the foundation, Rhonda Miles. Rhonda and Nikki met long before she was ever diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and their story and journey is something that could be written for the box office. Nikki folded Rhonda into a historical adventure, the high profile country music industry and ultimately her role as the President of her foundation just before she passed. Listen more to see why big names like Jamey Johnson, Toby Keith, Waylon Jennings and more support The Nikki Mitchel Foundation and the upcoming events supporting Pancreatic Cancer patients and families.

There are swirling rumors about the vaccine. Is it safe? Should you take it? Where are you getting information? Who can you trust? Monica Sanford, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in Cardiology gives us some insight into the myths and facts around the COVID Vaccine. Monica works across 4 local hospitals in Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties and gives us proper medical advice on what and what not to believe.

On today's episode we hear the origin tale of Empathy Evolution straight from the ladies behind your favorite podcast.

Hurricane Ida made landfall in September, leaving devastation in it's wake. With thousands without homes, food, clothing or electricity, neighboring cities and states have stepped in to help. Nan Evans-Foster is a philanthropist with deep routes to volunteerism. She and a dedicated network of individuals are sending literal truckloads of help to those in need in Louisiana.

This is an episode that we hadn't planned but the topic organically came up in conversation which led to the gravity of its importance. In the case of the crew at Empathy Evolution, we were all in our teens, attending the first or second class of a Florida school the day the twin towers were hit 20 years ago. We each have our own unique lens in which we experienced secondary trauma that can be recalled instantly. We talk about that experience and the concept of secondary trauma. Feel free to share your experience with us. We are here for you. For all those serving our country in the military or as a first responder, thank you and we love you.

Meet Katie Hicks, a Social Justice Warrior, a recovered addict, an educated and passionate young professional who cares deeply for those who need compassion in the world. She believes that if you are empathetic without action you are an observer.  We talk about the action of empathy and how it works from a standpoint of love instead of manipulation. All trauma is worthy of understanding and patience.

Watch the YouTube Video here.