More In Common

The effects of gentrification is profoundly harmful to the neighborhoods it consumes.  

Most not personally impacted by gentrification view the process as positive and transformative. But for the longtime residents it is not a benign process. As money moves in, the original culture and demographics are forcefully changed.  Our guest Dawn Hicks does a wonderful job revealing the ugly truths gentrification. She provides a voice for those communities whose once familiar home  became wholly unrecognizable. This episode is one on gaining a more complete and intimate understanding of the effects of gentrification.  

"Nothing about us, without us, is for us…" - Unattributed 

Originally from Richmond, VA, Dawn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from The North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.  She also holds a Masters in Architecture from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte where she focused on the social and economic impacts of Hip Hop on Architecture.  Dawn has a passion for enhancing urban environments through influences of social, economic, and cultural forces that help shape built environments and develop inclusive communities in affordable ways.  Her goal is to use her diverse love for music and design to enhance the future of architecture. 

Dawn Hicks is an Enterprise Rose Fellow, currently working with Venice Community Housing in Venice, California as their Community Design Coordinator and Project Manager.  With VCH, Dawn serves as a key member of the housing development team as VCH initiates new construction projects focused on increasing affordable and permanent supportive housing options in Venice, as well as reinvest in several older properties.  She is also an integral part of their property management, resident services, YouthBuild and advocacy teams and engages a wide variety of other community members and stakeholders in an approach to community development and participatory design. 

Topics we discuss: 

•  Gentrification 

• Watch out for when a Starbucks is created  

• Drivers behind gentrifying neighborhoods 

• Cultural identities  

• Her personal experiences with communities.  

• God's impact on her life and her view of the world.  

References: 

• Definition of Gentrification

• Arena building

• The Forum

Credits: 

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes 

Music: 

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

Guest theme:  "Windows Galore" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

The concept of understanding becomes complex when we don't quite relate to another's feelings. The wonderfully talented Kristen Bell discusses her life as an empath among other things. Her personal experiences and innate ability to empathize help drive this passionate conversation that explores her sense of self and those around her.  Bell's humorous and engaging nature brings light to a variety of deep conversations. 

"Everyone is a mosaic of their own experiences" -  Kristen Bell 

Kristen Bell has some serious acting chops.  She has a strong marriage and is an amazing and proud Mom.  She starred in the NBC series “The Good Place,” opposite Ted Danson, played the role of ‘Anna’ in "Frozen" and “Frozen2.” She has starred in "Bab Moms", "Bad Moms Christmas," and broke out in her role as THE "Veronica Mars".  Her list of Acting credentials is long and impressive!  Recently, she became the executive producer in a second season of "Encore" which you can find on Disney+.  She appears in it as well!   

Beyond film, she recently co-wrote the children's book, "We all need more purple people". She and her husband, Dax Shephard, started an amazing baby product line called "Hello Bello" to get affordable, high end, baby products so no mom has to decide between a budget and diapers. And, has partnered with Lord Jones to create a CBD line of oils and lotions called "Happy dance", with the goal of accessibility beyond boutique shops.   

Topics we discuss: 

• Codependency  

• Her ability to walk in peoples shoes  

• Looking at the day for what your grateful   

• Different personalities are important for the world.  

• The "Death Bed" test 

• How her and her husband differ 

• Talks about how it can help make us do better in the world.  

References: 

• CBD Line - Happy Dance  

Credits: 

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes 

Music: 

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

Guest theme:  "Wooden Equations" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

It's a feeling only a select population in America will face in their lifetime that warrants a discussion amongst the overall population.  

Our discussion is about the black experience in America and a self-reflection on the topic of race, racial relationships, both the advantages and disadvantages. B. Dave Walters provides excellent insight into those experiences, which deserves to be discussed with compassion now as much as ever. An episode worth listening to as it is full of great conversation and eye-opening perspectives. It acknowledges our humanity and shifts our hearts and perspectives to love and understanding.  

"Hatred and tolerance require ignorance to flourish" -  B. Dave Walters 

1. Dave Walters: is a Storyteller & proud Scoundrel American. He is best known as the writer and co-creator of Electropunk, Dungeons & Dragons: A Darkened Wish for IDW comics, and creator and DM of the Darkened Wish streaming show for Wizards of the Coast. He plays Baron Victor Temple on Vampire the Masquerade: LA by Night on World of Darkness Twitch and Freely on Silver & Steel on D&D Beyond Twitch.   

And, we will add, he is a father, and someone who is everlastingly trying to make the world a better place for himself, his kids and all of us.   

Topics we discuss: 

• Black Lives Matter 

•  Rooted in history 

• Killing of black people by cops 

•  Guilt  

References: 

• Psychological Loss Aversion 

Credits: 

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes 

Music: 

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

Guest theme:  "Dice Games" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

 On occasions, the discussion of mental health arises. This conversation is especially pertinent during a world-wide global pandemic.  

Our long term friend Jason Ferrari and a fellow podcaster of "The Not Your Parents' Basement Podcast,"  joined us for an in-depth discussion about struggles managing his mental health. Between finding the right therapist and faking normality, at times, life can be exhausting.  The idea that no one quite understands because you can't even understand yourself is a universal feeling. Breaking the stigma regarding mental health and making the new normal, "it's okay not to be okay," will help the world heal together. In times like these, we have to check up on everyone, even those who appear fine.  

"But seriously, how are you getting through your day?" -  Jason Ferrari 

Jason Ferrari has a combined 25 years of Sales and Marketing experience and currently works as a Social Media Strategist for significant technology and electronics brands.  He comes from a radio background, with a majority of his experience in the Chicago market.  

He first embraced online radio in 2010, where he co-hosted the 'First and Long with Brendan McCaffrey and Jason Ferrari' morning show.  Since then, he has been the co-host of two very successful podcasts, the 'Abbatacola & Ferrari Discuss Everything Show' and the 'Sports Is Life Pod with Matt Abbatacola & Jason Ferrari.'   

He recently launched his first solo podcast, the 'Not Your Parents' Basement Show with Jason Ferrari,' where he has a different guest each episode. They discuss the living, loving, laughing, and learning to promote more vibrant mental health. 

Topics we discuss: 

• His podcast, "It's Not Your Parents Basement Podcast." 

• His focus on mental health 

• `Selecting a therapist 

• Impact on mental health 

• How he looks at trauma

References: 

• psychologist / therapist / psychiatrist: 

A therapist and psychologist may differ in the degrees they received in college. A therapist can be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor, but a psychologist is an exclusive psychologist but can also counsel and do other responsibilities. A therapist who is a psychiatrist can administer medications, but a psychologist cannot. 

• Psychology today 

Credits: 

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes 

Music: 

Central Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

Guest theme:  "Cup Holders" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

We all too often think of growing old as a bad thing. Perhaps we confuse diminished abilities with diminished value. Our life is too often considered as being “over” when we get old. 

Music executive Adrian Miller, challenges this perception stating that “we calibrate over as gray and old.” His image of the passage of time is much different. He directs us to craft a perception of life that honors and supports growing old at every stage of one's life. He notes that without elders' wisdom present in his early life, his success would not be what it is today. Miller’s drive to honor the lives of the elderly, offers us an opportunity to rethink and recognize those who impacted our lives in so many ways. He offers that we can and should give back, whether it's financial support or simply our time. Showing how much you care and value our aged mentors is one of life’s greatest treasures. 

"The writing is in front of you and on the wall.  Whether or not you look at it or evaluate the value of that is on you as an individual." -  Adrian L. Miller 

Adrian L. Miller is an American music entertainment executive, manager, and executive producer, a notable manager of both Oscar and Grammy award nominated and winning artist Anderson Paak, Mereba and NxWorries. Miller has diversified his portfolio as a label owner, publisher, songwriter, A&R/talent scout, executive producer, and artist manager. Recently he has teamed up with Michael Ross (co-founder of the label Delicious Vinyl), together with Leslie Cooney, they started the label reboot now called Delicious Vinyl Island. 

Currently, his work is in music supervision/music consulting for film and television projects include RZA's, Cut Throat City (Patriot Pictures) and the series Wu-Tang: An American Saga (Hulu) and F. Gary Gray's Men in Black: International (Sony). He has received the Cannes Lion Award for his work on the 2018 Apple Music Home Pod commercial with Spike Jones. 

Adrian created the marketing research company, Xyion, that can trend forecast change in our marketplace.  Through previous relationships and having run several indie start-ups, Xyion provides top tier placement for the clients, offering over two decades of experience and endless creative opportunities.  

Miller has received several RIAA certifications for gold and platinum sales success in music, and in 2019 the Grammy Award for best rap performance, "Bubblin" by Anderson .Paak.[1][2][3] 

Topics we discuss: 

• Deep conversation on how we treat our elders 

• Ideas to show respect 

• How to assess wisdom 

• The Museum of Black and it's influence  

• His story about Anita Baker 

References: 

• Xyion  

Credits: 

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes 

Music: 

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

Guest theme:  "Soul Push" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

Josh Adam offers a coaching/personal perspective behind his successes using the power of self-reflection, to answer the question; What does it mean to be human? ⁠ 

Leading a team is not an easy task, every coach has unique tactics and coaching techniques to maximize their teams successes. Josh Adam uses the power of self-reflection for his team's success stating that “success is a byproduct of us working on the best version of ourselves”. ⁠ 

Individual self-reflection transferred into a team setting creates individuals who are tied together by one goal and one sense of spirit, to be the best version of themselves as a whole. Which ultimately embodies what it means to be authentically human.⁠ 

" Faith is a hope in evidence of things that are unseen" -  Josh Adam 

Josh is a Navy veteran, married with 4 children, including twins.  He Graduated with a bachelor's degree in history and  Christian education from Seattle Pacific in 2000, did his post-bachelor's research at Katholieke Universiteit-Leuven in Belgium and then received his master's in sports and exercise science from Minnesota.  

He rowed for 4 years at Seattle Pacific and started coaching rowing in 2001.  That lead to a career in coaching.  He has coached at Seattle-Pacific, Indiana, Washington State, the US National Team and now at USC as the head coach. 

" Faith is a hope in evidence of things that are unseen" -  Josh Adam 

Topics we discuss: 

• Studying History of the Iberian Peninsula  

• Sitting with a life coach to discuss it  

• figuring out your purpose  

• how its perceived 

References: 

• Martin Buber "I and Thou" 

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi 

Credits: 

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes 

Music: 

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

Guest theme:  "Keel" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive. 

Wendy Kim is a #1 International Best-Selling Author of the book, Beyond Blending In: An Immigrant Daughter's Guide to Overcoming Cultural Bonds For A Life of Authenticity and Abundance.

Wendy loves to read and is the mother of 2 amazing kids who she loves to surf with!

She is also a Professional Public Speaker and Empowerment Coach. Wendy is committed to empowering women of color to find their voice, stand up and step out to make a difference in the world. Wendy is also committed to diversity & inclusion in the workplace and in leadership.

What if you weren't meant to blend in? Wendy spent her whole life trying to blend in. Being bi-racial and living in a predominantly white community, she tried hard to be "white" and to blend in even though that wasn't possible. Later on, she moved to a primarily "Asian" community and didn't  fit in there either. This pattern continued into college and the corporate world until she finally broke through to live her best life. It is Wendy's deepest desire that you will find the inspiration and tools to go beyond and live the most authentic and abundant version of yourself.

"You don't have to try and be more Asian, or try and be more White, or try and be more Black. You are who you are and you're really blessed you can have the best of both worlds." - Wendy Kim

Topics we discuss:

• What it meant to her to be "White"
  • Mixed Race as Korean and German

References:

• Wendy's Book - Beyond Blending In

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Iberian Shuffle" by Megan Nadin

Julian A Lewis II is a Marketing Practitioner, rocking a Salesperson’s Fedora. In constant pursuit of his Ikigai, a Japanese term meaning purpose, he maximizes his time seeking ways he can make an impact beyond himself. Currently retired from corporate, he’s focused on empowering others through audio as the CoFounder of StudioPod, a podcasting production and media company. Oh, and he’s an Adjunct Professor, elevating the next generation as he rises.

"I can say that I'm self-driven but I'm self-driven by the fact that I have a support system that is going to allow for me to do me…" - Julian Lewis

Topics we discuss:

•  Leaving stability to pursue his passion
  • Making the decision

References:

• Ikigai

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Step on Chest" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Patrick is on a mission to inspire others to challenge the old models of life, igniting our free thought, creativity, knowledge, and inner truth through the practice of holistic conscious living.

His journey to holistic wellness living started under the guidance of my father who through practices of nutrition, meditation, karate, tai chi and knowledge of ancient history and philosophy helped me lay a foundation of self-realization. Though hidden underneath, this foundation grounded me once revealed and pushed me towards transformation.

He has built a method to help others find their true selves and purpose in their lives and we are thrilled to have him with us today. 

"Sleep, to me, is at the forefront of every issue.  It's at the forefront of every illness." - Pat DeNicola

Topics we discuss:

• The Old models of life
  • How he defines them and how he looks at them.

References:

• Patrick's Website

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Car Chase" by DJ Rufbeats created as a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Megan Nadin is a singer-songwriter born and raised in Thunder Bay, Canada with a truly identifiable voice, both captivating and inspiring. Her mission? To be an honest and authentic voice to those in need. To provide hope through altruistic platforms, which she knows can and will change lives. While Megan’s vocal prowess and ability to emote is often interpreted as a seasoned professional, many are surprised to learn this emerging artist only began her musical journey in 2017.

As a kid though, she looked for any excuse to perform her songs for her friends and family, at any chance she could get. 

As much as Megan has loved music in her life, she prioritized early, getting her university education - continuing to use the art of writing and singing to express herself on a more personal level. While pursuing her teaching degree, Megan decided to take a trip to Cambodia to volunteer teaching English for the organization New Hope For Orphans.

And now, that she is investing all her energy to pursue what she loves, she has released her debut album, 'This Was Then'…

To learn more about Megan with the latest news and updates, visit megannadin.com, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, SoundCloud, Twitter

"Every time I've stepped into my fear and did something that made me feel uncomfortable, it helped me grow…" - Megan Nadin

Topics we discuss:

• Fear
  • How it manifests for Megan

References:

• Megan's Website
  • "This Was Then" - Album

Credits:

Lead editor + Producer: Ruf Holmes

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

Guest theme:  "Watermarks" by Megan Nadin