Today, we’re talking about libraries, but in a way you’ve probably never imagined them before.

To me, libraries have always been magical spaces, where whole new worlds exist within the pages of books, where you can stumble on anything, where anyone can find space to learn or find safety or community. Where everyone belongs. But as Adam Echelman, the Executive Director of the U.S. office of Libraries Without Borders, shows us in this episode, libraries aren’t only magical; they are fundamental to equality and justice.

As of this recording, the U.S.—and the globe—has been facing a pandemic for nearly a year. So Adam and I dive into not only literacy and access to information through books, but digital literacy and the way, in this age of virtual school and Zoom meetings and Zoom court and telehealth appointments, digital literacy and access to a computer and Internet are not only luxuries; they’re necessities.

Let's talk about food. Food is part of our daily lives, our celebrations; it connects us. But our access to food is not equal.

This episode explores food justice, asking us to consider not only what we eat, but where it comes from, who has the resources for healthy food, and the workers that produce it. My guest, Eloísa Trinidad, an organizer focusing on animal rights and human rights, talks about the power of providing plant-based foods to communities in need, about labor trafficking within the animals-as-food industry, and about self-care as resistance.

As she and I talk, we find many parallels between the food justice and criminal justice movements, a reminder that none of these systems operate alone. We are all linked.

*A special shoutout to Chilis on Wheels, which we mention throughout the episode. They're a nonprofit committed to nourishing communities in need with plant-based foods.

About Eloísa:

Eloísa Trinidad is a total liberation activist and organizer focusing on animal rights and human rights. She is Co-founder of the animal liberation group Vegan Activist Alliance and serves on the board of directors at Plant Powered Metro New York. Eloísa is also lead organizer at Chilis on Wheels, where she focuses on making veganism accessible to communities in need.

You can connect with Eloísa on Instagram: @elogata

Rasheed Lockheart is a formerly incarcerated firefighter and, now, the Re-Entry Coordinator at Planting Justice. In this episode, we dive into his earliest interactions with police as a biracial boy in a system-impacted neighborhood, his experiences of bringing someone back to life as an incarcerated first responder, barriers to re-entry, and what the pandemic looks like inside San Quentin right now.

Connect:

Follow Rasheed on Twitter: @RsheedLockheart

Resources:

Planting Justice

Re:Store Justice

Initiate Justice

Anti-Recidivism Coalition

Root & Rebound

In this episode, I’m talking with Amber Vlangas. As a survivor of sexual violence, Amber’s an unlikely advocate for ending the sex offender registry. But after her husband was accused of a crime that landed him on the registry for life, she’s seen another side and can’t unsee it.

Not only does Amber share her family’s journey in this episode, but she amplifies this truth: public registries do not work. If we truly want prevention and healing, we must find a better way.

About Amber Vlangas:

Amber is the Executive Director of Restorative Action Alliance. She is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and the current co-host of Amplified Voices, a podcast that explores the collateral consequences of criminal convictions and public registries.

Resources:

Restorative Action Alliance

Amplified Voices podcast

Stop It Now

Amber’s Website

Follow Amber on Twitter @amberspeaksup

This episode is taking us on the road—to Tanzania. My guest is Hayley Balozi, who’s raising her two sons with her husband in East Africa. Hayley’s youngest son, River, is determined and adventurous and happens to have Down syndrome.

Our conversation will take us not only into the heart of raising a child with Down syndrome, but into the world of disability in a country that doesn’t even have a word for Down syndrome in Swahili, its official language. Hayley describes the challenges to get medical care, the painful stigmas that have kept some with Down syndrome hidden away for their entire lives, and the public school system. But, more than that, we’ll get a glimpse into a family and a place that has offered River the chance to live freely and enjoy life. And a country that is changing, with one family like River’s at a time showing that Down syndrome is nothing to be down about.

About Hayley:

Hayley Balozi is an artist, entrepreneur, and mother. You can find her blog, her advice for new parents of babies with Down syndrome, and her photo gallery on her website. You can also follow along with the Balozi family’s journey on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Since 1980, the number of women incarcerated in this country has skyrocketed, increasing by more than 750%. My guest today, Barbara Rhode, is on a mission to offer a healing space for women inside jails. By working with women inside the Pinellas County Jail in Florida, Barbara’s organization, The Red Tent Women’s Initiative, supports these women in addressing unresolved trauma and addiction. Over 80% of the women in this program are mothers, which means the healing support they receive doesn’t just stay with them, it reaches their children and communities, too.

A fascinating look at women behind bars and what prevention and change truly look like.

About Barbara:

Barbara Rhode is a licensed therapist in private practice as well as the Founder and Board President of The Red Tent Women’s Initiative. Barbara has recently been named one of ten L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth for 2020.

Vote for Barbara:

As one of ten Women of Worth honorees for L’Oreal Paris, Barbara has the chance to be named the National Honoree, awarding her organization with an additional $25,000. The honoree with the most votes wins. Cast your vote here. You can vote once per day until November 27, 2020.

As of today, nearly 28 million people have already cast their vote in the 2020 election. Have you? Today, United State of Women Ambassador for New York, Bethan Saunders, talks to us about the power of your vote and your voice and the best ways to create real, century-defining public change in your community and our nation.

Bethan Saunders is a United State of Women Ambassador for New York CIty. The United State of Women is a national organization dedicated to convening, connecting, and amplifying voices in the fight for full gender equity. The USOW Ambassador Program is an opportunity for current and future leaders passionate about improving gender equity, no matter their background or previous experience. You can find and contact your local USOW Ambassador here: https://www.theunitedstateofwomen.org/ambassadors/

Bethan on Twitter: @saundersbethan

Voting & Civic Engagement Resources:

When We All Vote’s Voter Resources Hub: This is a one-stop-shop for registering to vote, requesting a vote by mail ballot, and more.

Ballotready.org: Compare candidates based on their stances on issues, biography, and endorsements and save your choices as you go.

When Nicole's son Jack was 7 years old, he escaped from school, leaving a trail of injured staff in his wake. After being caught by a stranger, he was suspended from school—indefinitely.

In that moment, Jack hadn’t yet been diagnosed with autism. So all of his behaviors at school weren’t understood—“they didn’t get him, they didn’t know him,” his mom, Nicole, told me.

But this episode isn’t about autism. It’s about a mother learning to find her voice. Learning to become a fierce and empowered advocate for her son and for herself. About shame and fear and loneliness, and about being seen as exactly who you are. It’s about the joys. The love. About Nicole returning to the essence of who she is.

If you have a child with autism, this will touch you. If you’re like me and you don’t, this will grow your awareness and surprise you and, yes, still touch your heart.

About Nicole:

Nicole Donovan is an author, storyteller, and spiritual seeker. She is also the mother of four boys. She recently published her first book, A Life Suspended: a Mother and Son’s Story of Autism, Extinction Bursts and Living a Resilient Life.

You can find A Life Suspended on Amazon. 

Nicole’s Website: http://nhdwrites.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nhdwrites

Instagram: @nhdwrites

Twitter: @nhdwrites 

On today's show, we’re talking about "border girls." That's girls often 11, 12, and 13 years old who have journeyed alone to the U.S. from Central & South America to find safety. Many of them are pregnant, and they’re often brought here without parents by coyotes, seeking a life that is unknown but, they pray, more secure.

And we’re going to tell this story through an unexpected lens: yoga.

My guest today is Rosa Dluginsky. Rosa is a middle school special education teacher in New York who also teaches yoga. Last year, through the nonprofit United We Om, Rosa taught trauma-informed yoga classes in Spanish to unaccompanied minor girls from South America.

This episode is a unique look at immigration and human connection. Stay tuned all the way to the end for the most arresting moment, when Rosa speaks directly to those in charge of this country’s immigration policy.

You can follow Rosa on Instagram: @yogawithrosa.

Gratitude:

A special thank you to United We Om for making this conversation and Rosa’s work possible. They’re on a mission to share the transformative practices of Yoga and Meditation with under-resourced, vulnerable, and trauma-impacted communities.

Visit their website: https://www.unitedweom.org

She’s out of prison after 17 ½ years. What does freedom feel like?

Anitria, who was incarcerated in Bedford Hills until 10 months before this conversation, talks about how freedom is complicated—from sleeping in a room without bars to learning to use the microwave to getting a driver’s license.

Passionate, articulate, and a great self-advocate, Anitria describes her mental health struggles and how she worked to advocate for mental health supports from inside prison.

Tune into the second episode of I’m Curious podcast. 

Gratitude:

A special thank you to New Hour for Women & Children for introducing me to Anitria.

Learn more about their work providing meaningful support to women who are currently or formerly incarcerated and to their families by clicking here.