Everyday Heroes with Andrew Norlen

VOTE!
If there was one word to describe the importance of this episode, it would be to vote! In this episode I had the privilege of sitting down over FaceTime with one of my dear friends from my time at sea, Zoe! Zoe is a performer, dancer, singer, actor, and above all else - one of the most generous and kind hearted souls I’ve ever come in contact with!

Originally from Melbourne Australia, we jump right into the nitty-gritty of what it means for her to be married to an American, live in California, work in the states, and what it means to be non-American as we approach this very important election.

It was important to me to get the perspective of an outsiders point of you when it comes to the deep divide we see in our American culture today. We discussed politics, we discuss the histories of racial unrest in Australia and the states, we discuss her blossoming performance career, as well as the loss of her dear friend and colleague, Nick Cordero, to Covid-19 earlier this spring.

FOLLOW:
Zoe - @zoe_unkovich
Andrew - @Anorlen
Burn The Floor - @burnthefloorofficial 

SUBSCRIBE:
And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:
https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave    

FEEDBACK:
Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store. Please share this episode with friends and family!        

In this episode I sit down with college friend, Brandi Porter. Black Lives Matter, and during this very important time, movement and tipping point in our history and future, I think it is vital for those of us with privilege to pivot our hearts, minds, and energy toward how we can help our black brothers and sisters. Thank you for taking the time to listen, learn and absorb everything Brandi has to share today. The only way we can empathize is by listening and taking action. We must do more than just be kind and loving, that isn't enough. We must fight injustice, stand up for the marginalized and demand change for our broken systems, from the top down.

Accounts/Links/Resources for YOU to make a difference today!

VOICES TO FOLLOW:
@thebrandiporter - Brandi Porter
@ckyourprivilege - Check Your Privilege
@austinchanning - Austin Channing Brown

Eyes on the Prize:
https://youtu.be/Ud82QzXO7xw
PBS Documentary about the Civil Rights Movements

New York Times 1619 Project:
https://youtu.be/XrfV7w3EyGI
The 1619 Project is a major initiative from The New York Times to correct the record, reframing the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the national narrative.

Black Wall Street:
PBS The massacre in Greenwood . Tulsa Oklahoma  300 African Americans lost their lives and more than 9,000 were left homeless when their small town was attacked, looted and literally burned to the ground beginning in 1921 by white people.https://www.pbs.org/wnet/boss/video/greenwood-and-tulsa-race-riots-tbkhcr/

EBONY MAGAZINE:
https://www.ebony.com/black-history/destruction-of-black-wall-street/ In the early 1900s, Greenwood was home to a thriving, independent “Black Wall Street” until the violence of the Tulsa Race Riots changed the community’s legacy forever.

James Baldwin’s I Am Not Your Negro:
A Documentary that journeys into black history connecting the Civil Rights Movement to #BlackLivesMatterNetflix 

Movies to watch:
12 Years a Slave
Harriet
Blackklansman
13th 
American Son 
When They See Us

In this episode I sit down with the incredible, Deb Walton. Black Lives Matter, and during this very important time, movement and tipping point in our history and future, I think it is vital for those of us with privilege to pivot our hearts, minds, and energy toward how we can help our black brothers and sisters. Thank you for taking the time to listen, learn and absorb everything Deb has to share today. The only way we can empathize is by listening and taking action. We must do more than just be kind and loving, that isn't enough. We must fight injustice, stand up for the marginalized and demand change for our broken systems, from the top down.

Accounts/Links/Resources for YOU to make a difference today!

VOICES TO FOLLOW:
@debwaltonhill - Debra Walton
@ckyourprivilege - Check Your Privilege
@austinchanning - Austin Channing Brown

Eyes on the Prize:
https://youtu.be/Ud82QzXO7xw
PBS Documentary about the Civil Rights Movements

New York Times 1619 Project:
https://youtu.be/XrfV7w3EyGI
The 1619 Project is a major initiative from The New York Times to correct the record, reframing the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of black Americans at the center of the national narrative.

Black Wall Street:
PBS The massacre in Greenwood . Tulsa Oklahoma  300 African Americans lost their lives and more than 9,000 were left homeless when their small town was attacked, looted and literally burned to the ground beginning in 1921 by white people.https://www.pbs.org/wnet/boss/video/greenwood-and-tulsa-race-riots-tbkhcr/

EBONY MAGAZINE:
https://www.ebony.com/black-history/destruction-of-black-wall-street/ In the early 1900s, Greenwood was home to a thriving, independent “Black Wall Street” until the violence of the Tulsa Race Riots changed the community’s legacy forever.

James Baldwin’s I Am Not Your Negro:
A Documentary that journeys into black history connecting the Civil Rights Movement to #BlackLivesMatterNetflix 

Movies to watch:
12 Years a Slave
Harriet
Blackklansman
13th 
American Son 
When They See Us 

In this episode I sit down with my dear friend, Thomasina Gross. Black Lives Matter, and during this very important time, movement and tipping point in our history and future, I think it is vital for those of us with privilege to pivot our hearts, minds, and energy toward how we can help our black brothers and sisters. Thank you for taking the time to listen, learn and absorb everything Thommi has to share today. The only way we can empathize is by listening and taking action. We must do more than just be kind and loving, that isn't enough. We must fight injustice, stand up for the marginalized and demand change for our broken systems, from the top down.

Accounts/Links/Resources for YOU to make a difference today!
VOICES TO FOLLOW:
@thommigross - Thomasina Gross
@ckyourprivilege - Check Your Privilege
@amandaseales - Amanda Seals  
PETITIONS/CALLS:
Add your name to a petition demanding a thorough investigation into the death of Robert Fuller, a 23 year old man found hanging from a tree in Palmdale three days ago. His death was quickly ruled a suicide (we’ve heard that one before), and has received little coverage in the press. https://www.change.org/p/los-angeles-sheriff-s-department-palmdale-station-justice-for-robert-fuller?recruiter=1113659218&recruited_by_id=2a871440-aa2c-11ea-a860-1f38ecefd646
Demand justice for Breonna Taylor, a 26 year old EMT murdered in her own home by police. Her murderers have not been arrested. Petition and suggestions for more actions at https://action.justiceforbreonna.org/sign/BreonnaWasEssential/.
DONATIONS:
Make a donation to the Black Trans Protestors Emergency Fund, sponsored by Black Trans Femmes in the Arts. Fund supports Black Trans protestors with resources, medical supplies, and bail funds.
Cash app: bftacollective Paypal: [email protected]
LEARN:
Listen to Ibram X Kendi discuss how to be an anti-racist on Brené Brown’s podcast. https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-ibram-x-kendi-on-how-to-be-an-antiracist/

In this episode I sit down with the beautiful, Alex Hairston. Black Lives Matter, and during this very important time, movement and tipping point in our history and future, I think it is vital for those of us with privilege to pivot our hearts, minds, and energy toward how we can help our black brothers and sisters. Thank you for taking the time to listen, learn and absorb everything Alex has to share today. The only way we can empathize is by listening and taking action. We must do more than just be kind and loving, that isn't enough. We must fight injustice, stand up for the marginalized and demand change for our broken systems, from the top down.

Accounts/Links/Resources for YOU to make a difference today!

VOICES TO FOLLOW:
@alexasusual - Alex Hairston
@ckyourprivilege - Check Your Privilege
@austinchanning - Austin Channing Brown
PETITIONS/CALLS:
Add your name to a petition demanding a thorough investigation into the death of Robert Fuller, a 23 year old man found hanging from a tree in Palmdale three days ago. His death was quickly ruled a suicide (we’ve heard that one before), and has received little coverage in the press. https://www.change.org/p/los-angeles-sheriff-s-department-palmdale-station-justice-for-robert-fuller?recruiter=1113659218&recruited_by_id=2a871440-aa2c-11ea-a860-1f38ecefd646
Demand justice for Breonna Taylor, a 26 year old EMT murdered in her own home by police. Her murderers have not been arrested. Petition and suggestions for more actions at https://action.justiceforbreonna.org/sign/BreonnaWasEssential/.
DONATIONS:
Make a donation to the Black Trans Protestors Emergency Fund, sponsored by Black Trans Femmes in the Arts. Fund supports Black Trans protestors with resources, medical supplies, and bail funds.
Cash app: bftacollective Paypal: [email protected]
LEARN:
Listen to Ibram X Kendi discuss how to be an anti-racist on Brené Brown’s podcast. https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-ibram-x-kendi-on-how-to-be-an-antiracist/

This is the 2nd half of my incredible conversation with the absolute light that is, Kelsee Sweigard! After crossing paths last winter, after joining the closing cast of the Kinky Boots nat'l tour, I fell madly in love with the talent and soul that is this hero of mine! Here in part 2, Kelsee gives us some more insight into what she is doing to navigate this difficult time. We discuss our time together on the road with Kinky Boots, her time on the RENT nat'l tour and she shares inspiring words for the next generation of women! I am so excited to share her voice and passion with all of you, and don't forget to go back and check out the beginning of our interview in Part 1 (episode 7).

FOLLOW:
Kelsee - @kelseesweigard

FEEDBACK:
Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store.

SUBSCRIBE:
And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:
https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave        

In our first two part episode, I sit down with the powerhouse that is, Kelsee Sweigard. After crossing paths last winter, after joining the closing cast of the Kinky Boots nat'l tour, I fell madly in love with the talent and soul that is this hero of mine! In part 1, Kelsee gives us some insight into what she is doing to navigate this difficult time. We discuss everything from who we are - beyond what we do, white privilege, feminism, her time on the RENT nat'l tour and her own shame resilience shield! I am so excited to share her voice and passion with all of you, and don't forget to return and check out the rest of her interview in Part 2.

FOLLOW:
Kelsee - @kelseesweigard

FEEDBACK:
Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store.

SUBSCRIBE:
And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:
https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave        

In this episode I sit down with NYC casting director and friend, Gayle Seay. While maintaining social distancing from Oregon to her home in New Jersey, Gayle and I discuss how she's finding peace during this time, what its like to be a woman in a position of power in showbiz and a little bit of Tiger King! She shares the story of when show business chose her and the defining moment when casting directing changed her trajectory. Join us as we discuss representation, women and the importance of continuing to learn, while still honing your artistry.  I can't wait for you to hear the wisdom and heart of this hero of mine. Stay kind loved ones, enjoy Gayle!

FOLLOW:
Gayle - @gayle_seay

FEEDBACK:
Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store.

SUBSCRIBE:
And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:
https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave 

          

A story of incredible resilience and strength. Ta'Nika Gibson grew up in the foster care system and a series of tumultuous households. However, she never accepted the cards she was dealt. She choose education, unconditional love and kindness at every turn, refusing to be another statistic. Her life changed, only for the better, when she was 17 years old and has been full steam ahead ever since! Ta'Nika and I met 7 years ago and having this opportunity to catch up and hear, first hand, how ferociously she has manifested a career in the industry is nothing short of a miracle. The odds were never in her favor, but she actively choose love, kindness and compassion. We talk about everything from self-care, to representation, how she is navigating through Covid-19 and making her Broadway debut last fall! I can't wait for you to hear from the heart of one of my heroes.

FOLLOW:
Ta'Nika - @tgibstar
*And don't forget to check out the incredible charity she supports,
You Gotta Believe: @yougottabelievenyc

FEEDBACK:
Check out another episode to hear from the rest of my amazing heroes, and don't forget to write a review and give us a 5 star rating in the Apple Podcast App/Store.

SUBSCRIBE:
And check out Andrew's road to publishing his memoir, Defining Brave on his website:
https://www.andrewnorlen.com/defining-brave