Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve

In this episode of Inspiring Nations, host Sonja Keeve sits down with Amma Gatty, the visionary founder of Culture Encounters, to explore her journey from Ghana to the United States and her commitment to fostering cultural understanding. Amma shares the origin story of Culture Encounters, a nonprofit in Richmond, Virginia, which she established in 2015 to promote unity and celebrate diversity within her community. Originally an arts program for underserved children, Culture Encounters has now blossomed into a multifaceted organization that builds bridges through arts, food, and engaging dialogues.

Throughout the episode, Amma reveals her passion for creating spaces where people from all walks of life can connect and explore their cultural roots. Highlights include Culture Encounters’ initiatives, such as immersive food tours, dynamic art exhibitions, and the thought-provoking "Conversations that Connect" series. These programs dive into topics like the experiences of Africans in the diaspora and the intersection of various cultural identities.

Key Takeaways:

• The inspiration behind Culture Encounters and Amma's journey as an immigrant in America.
• Insights into the unique programs that bring people together through shared experiences.
• How "Conversations that Connect" addresses complex cultural topics and promotes understanding.
• Amma's vision of a community where diversity is celebrated, and empathy is at the forefront.

Join us as we delve into how Amma Gatty is making a meaningful impact by promoting inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and inspiring a community built on mutual respect.

In this powerful episode of Inspiring Nations, host Sonja Keeve sits down with emotional intelligence trainer and motivational speaker, Rodney C. Burris. From the tough neighborhoods of Baltimore to becoming one of America's leading voices on emotional intelligence, Rodney shares his personal journey of resilience, growth, and the profound impact of transcendent forgiveness. The conversation explores how forgiveness isn’t just about others—it’s about freeing yourself to heal and grow. Rodney introduces the concept of "reparenting" to love the wounded parts of ourselves and delves into how he learned to reconcile with his younger self to move forward.

Episode Highlights:

• Rodney’s journey from Baltimore to becoming a leading emotional intelligence trainer for organizations like the Federal Department of Education and the U.S. Navy.
• The concept of transcendent forgiveness: A step-by-step process of confronting hurt, accepting responsibility, and moving through healing.
• Rodney’s personal story of emotional trauma from his childhood and how reparenting helped him reconnect with his inner child.
• The role of faith in forgiveness and how God's love allows us to heal and transcend pain.
• Pronoia: The belief that everything in life is working together for good, even in challenging times.
• Rodney’s upcoming book on the seven steps of transcendent forgiveness and how listeners can receive a free eBook copy before its official launch.

Key Quotes:

• “Forgiveness isn’t really for the other person—it’s for you.”
• "Healing begins when we acknowledge that we are hurt."
• "Pronoia is the idea that everything is working together for my good."
• "Forgiveness is a birthing process—painful, but necessary for new life."

How to Connect with Rodney C. Burris:

• Get a FREE eCopy of the book before the official launch: Email [email protected] with the subject line “Puerto Rico” to receive your copy!
• Follow Rodney on Social Media:
  • Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok: @RodneyCBurris
  • Website: www.rodneycburris.com

Join the Conversation: Did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts on social media and tag @SonjaKeeve with #InspiringNationsPodcast.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Norma Hollis, Hon. Ph.D., a renowned change agent and expert in human development. Norma shares her wisdom on the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in both personal and professional settings. With decades of experience in writing programs focused on 'Authenticity,' she explains how these training processes can deepen self-awareness and expand consciousness, helping individuals and organizations thrive. Tune in to discover how living authentically can transform your life and enhance your connection to others.

Topics Covered:

1. Understanding Authenticity: What it means to live an authentic life and why it’s essential for personal growth.
2. The Power of Self-Awareness: How increasing self-awareness can lead to better decision-making and emotional well-being.
3. Authenticity in Organizations: The role of authenticity in fostering stronger, more cohesive teams and improving organizational culture.
4. Expanding Consciousness: How Norma’s programs help individuals and organizations elevate their awareness and create lasting change.
5. Practical Steps to Embrace Authenticity: Simple strategies to start living a more authentic and self-aware life.

If you’re ready to embrace authenticity and deepen your self-awareness, this episode is for you. Take the first step towards a more authentic life by reflecting on your own values and actions. Be sure to share this episode with anyone looking to live with greater purpose and clarity!

Deborah Hanson is an independent researcher and historian uncovering hidden stories and documenting oral testimonies of the Black family's educational and entrepreneurial experiences in the early 1900s. In sharing these stories, Ms. Hanson’s goal is to provide encouragement and inspiration on how the faith and determination of our ancestors can be the driving force for us to pursue our highest dreams.

In this episode, we explore the powerful and often untold story of the movement to build schools for Black youth in the Southern United States between 1914 and 1932. Deborah Hanson, an independent researcher and historian, joins us to shed light on the incredible faith, determination, and resilience of Black families during this period. She highlights how communities came together, despite the era's racial oppression, to create educational opportunities that laid the foundation for future generations. Ms. Hanson’s research uncovers the inspiring stories behind these efforts and offers valuable lessons on how the past can fuel our pursuit of greatness today.

Welcome to "Inspiring Nations with Sonja Keeve." Today, we have Tshepo Tselayakgosi, an international speaker from Botswana and an impact-driven global citizen. Tshepo is a business development consultant and brand strategist with over 14 years of experience. She is the co-founder of Innovative Instigation Enterprise (IIE) and the Managing Director of Tshepo Kutlo Tselayakgosi Consulting.

Tshepo's mission is to help individuals, groups, and organizations start, build, and expand enterprises that generate multiple income streams and make a significant impact. In this episode, we will delve into Tshepo's journey, her approach for building an amazing, authentic brand.

Don't Miss Out: Tune in and be inspired by Tshepo Tselayakgosi's story and wisdom. Her dedication to empowering others will motivate you to make a difference in your life and business.

Jasmine (Jae) Hermann is an award-winning storyteller, content strategist & editor, and community hype gal. She partners with wellness providers, marketing agencies, and nonprofit managers to help them clarify and perfect their digital marketing. Jae also passionately advocates for women entrepreneurs to boldly embrace their creative confidence by offering mentoring, blogging support, community, and content creation resources.

Tune in as Jae shares the Power of Strategic Storytelling. 

Ruby Russell is the Founder of RR Distinctive Beddings LLC. She invented Stayput Beddings, a self-centering one-tuck top bed sheet that is guaranteed to stay put in 2013 after her partner injured his back and found it challenging to make the bed. Something she hated herself but could no longer avoid. Several months later she had eye surgery that left her legally blind in her left eye and led to an extensive research on the challenges the blind have in making a bed. That was the birth of Befitted Bedding, which was later named “accessible beddings” by The American Council of the Blind.

Tray Kearney is an Author, Speaker and Certified Life/Relationship Coach specializing in helping individuals heal from betrayal. Tune in as she shares her personal story. 

In this episode, we embark on a journey of empowerment with Traci Hill, a trailblazer in organizational development, as she shares invaluable insights on how individuals can assertively renegotiate stakeholder relationships to foster equity and bridge the wage gap. Drawing from her personal challenges and professional expertise, Traci unveils transformative strategies to amplify voices and drive positive change in both corporate and personal spheres.

Join us as Traci delves into the dynamics of stakeholder interactions, offering practical tools and actionable advice to empower individuals to advocate for themselves and others. From the boardroom to everyday conversations, learn how to navigate power dynamics, cultivate confidence, and effectively communicate your value proposition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to level the playing field and champion equity in their organizations and communities.

In this episode of "Inspiring Nations," we delve into the transformative power of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in strengthening the bond between parents and their teenagers. Our esteemed guest, Murielle Fellous, a certified clinical EFT practitioner and coach, shares her profound insights and experiences.

Murielle's journey, as a single mother navigating the tumultuous waters of parenting teenagers led her to discover the efficacy of EFT in fostering harmony and understanding within families. Drawing from her personal struggles and triumphs, she illuminates the path for mothers facing similar challenges, offering them a lifeline through the storms of adolescence.

Through a mind-body-spirit approach, Murielle empowers mothers to transcend the cycle of arguments, fear, guilt, and overwhelm that often accompany the teen years. She provides invaluable tools to co-parent with the universe, fostering a nurturing environment where parents and teenagers can thrive.

Join us as Murielle shares practical strategies, heartfelt anecdotes, and profound wisdom, guiding listeners towards deeper connections and resilient relationships with their teenagers. Whether you're a parent grappling with the complexities of adolescence or simply seeking inspiration, this episode promises to ignite hope and spark positive change in families everywhere