Episode 29 is here

This episodes guest is a Poet, Artist, Educator and the Author of three books titled: We Rise Higher,Remind Me Again and Unearthing Us! This gentleman’s name is Joe Davis. He is a spoken word artist and award-winning best selling author, who uses poetry to power possibilities and teach wellness through the arts! Thank you Joe for taking the time to have a wonderful conversation with us! 

Please support and follow Joe on journey through all of his socials. Plz Like, comment and share this video!

Nothin but love

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#JoeDavisPoetry #lupwgj #podcastshow #podcast #JoeDavis #wellness #minneapolis #MN

Today we sat down with @jennythrasherofficial ! Jenny is the founder of @allthatweareofficial also the creator of Thrive Education and the Author of Growing Through Grief. Jenny has 25 years of mental health and suicide prevention and awareness expertise,her mission is,it’s not enough to save lives-we must learn to live a life we love! We had an hour long conversation about her life,mental health,alternative therapy’s such as acupuncture and psilocybin and so much more! Thanks Jenny for taking the time to sit down with us and we look forward to future projects!

Jenny's Website - https://www.jennythrasher.com/
Our Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076379376165
Watch this episode - https://www.facebook.com/100076379376165/videos/1538865216790458

We sat down and spoke with an old friend, Aaron Johnson.

A few years back, (Pre-Covid) Aaron suffered a stroke at the young age of 37 he became paralyzed from the neck down and  was hospitalized for 3 months! Aaron shares with us the extreme mistreatment he received during his stay at the hospital as well as the nursing home he went to for his rehabilitation. He now wants to bring attention to this, so that the treatment he received, doesn’t happen anyone else like him. 

Aaron also has a rare disease called sarcoidosis, which presented itself in his lymph nodes, what can affect others in different ways. It is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system overreacts, causing groups of cells to form clusters of inflamed tissue called “granulomas” in one or more organs of the body. Aaron talks about how he navigates through this disease as well as the post effects of Covid and his stroke.

He is an Activist and an Ally, and is currently working on filming a documentary about homeless encampment in Minneapolis, titled: (They Sleep Among Us) which he is hoping to have the film wrapped up by October. 

We appreciate Aaron taking the time to sit down with us and share his story and we are very excited for you all to see this episode!

Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/KTQIQH_C6Q0?si=o50fMeUqqd1bGS_A

Episode 26 is here! We had the opportunity to sit down with Don Ryan who just published his first book - The Secret Struggle: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One. Don has suffered a great deal of loss, due to the completion of suicide of 3 family members. His father, Brother and Cousin. We were great for Don's willingness to share his story with us.

We also had a surprise guest, Kimberly Ko on the show! Kimberly lost her husband to suicide as well, and since then, has been a beacon of hope to all who suffer from mental illness. She also has a show in Instagram called: You Matter Live were she provides support and tips on overcoming mental struggles.

This was a very powerful episode and we hope you all enjoy it!

Watch on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/wFjrl9CSHIk?si=B3jnFK57wZ2Wp7dQ

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We sat down with Damone Presley, the father of Nitosha Presley, the young women who was murdered along with 3 other friends in a tragic quadruple homicide, back in 2021. His longtime friend of 16 years National Peace Activist Kay G Wilson came to support Damone this powerful conversation. Damone explains how he maintains peace of mind and the symbiotic relationship him and Wilson share. Damone walk us through the day of this tragic event and both men share things they have never revealed to media.

Watch the episode on Facebook: https://fb.watch/rNd3fvccMY/

You've see Marvina Haynes in the News and in Communities around the Twin Cities, fighting for justice for her brother, Marvin Haynes, who was just 16 years old when he was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison for a crime he DID NOT commit! 

After years of fighting the Justice System, Marvina and her organization Mn Wrongfully Convicted judicial reform, and help from the Great North Innocence Project, they were able to finally get her brother Exonerated!!! Now hear her story, in her own words, on what it took to make this happen and the harsh toll that it took on her family.

Congratulations and a HUGE WELCOME HOME!!! to Marvin Haynes!!

Also, big shoutout to Jon and Chelsie Joy Lopez for interviewing us and taking amazing pictures of this episode! As well as being our first studio audience!

Footage of the interrogation you will see during this episode, was obtained by Unicorn Riot!! Check out their page and see the mini documentary they put together for the Haynes family!

We hope you enjoy the episode and as always,

Stay Leveling Up, Friends

#justice #marvinahaynes #MarvinHaynes #lupwgj #podcasting#podcastshow #mnwrongfullyconvictedjudicialreform #MN

What better way to wrap up Black History Month than to have none other than The Muatas on our show!! Cam and Ayanna Muata are a dynamic musical group known for their fusion of traditional and modern elements, creating a captivating blend of rhythms and melodies. Their music seamlessly bridges cultural influences, offering a unique sonic experience that resonates with authenticity. With a diverse array of instruments and soulful vocals, The Muatas craft a distinctive sound that transcends boundaries and leaves a lasting impression on listeners, showcasing the richness of their musical identity.

Watch this episode on our Facebook Page!!
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We had the privilege of sitting down with Gilisho Josphat on a video call, all the way from Narok, Kenya! Josphat is a longtime friend of Jay’s aunt, Anita Abdelli Muldoon. She met Josphat some years back when she was visiting his country. They became great friends through their shared passions of helping others and being a part of something bigger than themselves.
Josphat shared with her his vision of building a school in his hometown, even on his own land!! Because he strongly believes that knowledge is the most powerful tool on earth. She loved the idea and since then, the two have been working tirelessly to make this happen.
Today, January 8th, 2024, the school opened its doors to excited kids who are very eager to learn. This is a wonderful accomplishment, but Josphat says there is still work to do. The land that the school is built on, is open to wildlife and so safety for the kids is very important and transportation is a must!
That’s where WE THE PEOPLE come in! They have a GoFundMe and are looking for donations. Josphat goes into detail of this during the interview, so please watch, and if you can, please help. links provided in the comments below.
We appreciate everyone’s continued support of our podcast and hope that you can help out and donate to such a great cause! Enjoy the episode!!

GoFund Me for Gilisho Freedom Academy:
https://www.gilishofreedomacademy.com/?fbclid=IwAR3YZgYKMm_odNWJV8aCB9eMTqvovcPKW-N180bWryaY31Dgrel-ThvBLi0
Watch this episode on our Facebook Page!
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#podcastclips #podcasting #Narok #kenya #gilishofreedomacademy #lupwgj #levelupwithgeneandjay #culture #CulturalHeritage #schools #schoolsupplies #unity #donatenow #donate #donations Level Up with Gene and Jay 

Today, LUPWGJ sat down with the one and only, Yammy Bear!!

Yammy Bear is Minnesota’s Iconic Mascot of Love! Yammy Bear and Family was created in 2021 in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic to bring hope and comfort to those most effected by social isolation and social injustice.  Founder Charles Jackson (Yammy Bear) and his wife CarolAnn Jackson, shared their incredible story with us and their vision, which is to continue to spread love, and hope, to children and families across the nation.

We were honored to have YAMMY BEAR and Family on our show and can’t wait for everyone to listen to this episode!

Below you will find links to Yammy Bears Socials, if you are looking to help in any way. We also will have link to subjects regarding this episode, as well as link to our YouTube for this episode.

Stay Tuned and Stay Leveling Up, friends
-Gene and Jay

Yammy Bear and Family Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/YammyBearandFamily

Yammy Bear's Personal Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/yammy.bear.52

Looking to help and or donate? Here is Yammy Bear and Family's Offical Website: https://www.yammybearandfamily.com/?fbclid=IwAR0hUeKf4aks9xv51c5HG0Tzo3znugPVm42cdAag_bS4YxtYApoLwvyekWE

Want to learn more about AL Amyloidosis? Here is some info from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota#:~:text=Located%20in%20the%20heart%20of,for%20more%20than%20100%20years.

Level up with Gene and Jay had the honor and privilege of sitting down with Darrell Young. He is a Youth Enrichment Programs manager for St. Louis Park’s Community Education. Darrell talks growing up in North Minneapolis, his struggles with family losses, playing semi pro football, mental health and more. He is a husband, a father and a dedicated community leader, who is on a mission, to provide today’s youth with support, mentorship and the tools they need to succeed to Level Up in life. 

Video dropping later this week.