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This conversation explores the background and experiences of Weyhan 'Moon' Smith, a member of the Shinnecock Nation. Moon shares insights into the history and culture of the Shinnecock and Algonquin tribes, including their governance and land rights. He discusses the challenges he faced growing up, including racism and struggles with cultural identity. Moon also highlights the importance of cultural traditions and celebrations in his life. He shares his journey of overcoming substance abuse and finding healing through reconnecting with his culture. The conversation concludes with Moon discussing his company, Evertan Katora, and its connection to his cultural journey. In this conversation, Weyhan 'Moon' Smith shares his journey of starting a clothing line, overcoming addiction, and reconnecting with his Shinnecock culture. He discusses the tragic loss of his brother and cousin in a car accident and how it impacted his life. Moon also talks about his experience in jail and the epiphany he had that led him to turn his life around. He emphasizes the importance of preserving and passing on Shinnecock culture to his children and shares his optimism for the future of his tribe. Moon concludes by expressing his gratitude and sharing a thank you song.

takeaways

• The Shinnecock and Algonquin tribes have a rich history and culture that extends back centuries.
• Challenges such as racism and struggles with cultural identity can impact individuals from indigenous communities.
• Cultural traditions and celebrations play a vital role in preserving and passing on indigenous heritage.
• Reconnecting with one's culture and spirituality can be a powerful source of healing and transformation.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:18
The Shinnecock and Algonquin Tribes

06:11
Education and Cultural Identity

10:55
Governance and Land Rights

14:25
Cultural Traditions and Celebrations

17:44
Challenges and Struggles

22:48
Parental Guidance and Racism

26:03
Influence of Black American Culture

29:16
Sharing Culture with Friends

36:05
Struggles with Substance Abuse

38:49
Cultural Healing and Transformation

39:20
Evertan Katora and the Journey

39:49
Starting a Clothing Line

40:18
Tragic Loss

41:39
Struggles with Addiction

42:08
Epiphany in Jail

43:06
Finding Purpose

44:17
Building a Brand

45:39
Preserving Shinnecock Culture

46:07
Immersion in Jemez Culture

47:06
Vision Quest

48:35
Passing on Traditions

50:39
Evolution of Shinnecock Culture

53:43
Importance of Culture

56:12
Sharing Medicine

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This episode is brought to you by Evitan Couture.

Welcome to the Multiracialverse podcast, where we explore the diverse experiences and perspectives of multiracial & multicultural individuals across the globe. I'm your host Antonio Fernandez and today, we have an incredibly inspiring guest joining us for Episode 8.

Luzy King, founder of Say Hola Wealth is, a trailblazer in her own right, a first-generation college graduate, Latina wealth coach, audacious leader and advocate for financial empowerment. Luzy embodies resilience and determination, navigating through life's challenges with grace and tenacity. 

With a background deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, she brings a unique perspective to her work as a wealth coach. Drawing from her own experiences and overcoming adversity, she is on a mission to empower Latina and BIPOC individuals to break free from money trauma and cultivate sustainable wealth.

As a successful entrepreneur on her journey to becoming a millionaire, she understands firsthand the importance of financial literacy and mindset in achieving true prosperity. Through her coaching, she not only imparts practical money management skills but also fosters a holistic approach to wealth-building, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from aligning our finances with our values and well-being.

Join us as we delve into her remarkable story, exploring the intersections of race, culture, and wealth, and uncovering the transformative power of healing money trauma. Get ready to be inspired, enlightened, and empowered as we embark on this enlightening conversation with our guest on Episode 8 of the Multiracialverse podcast.

Stay tuned, and let's dive into the Multiracialverse together.

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summaryThe conversation explores the cultural background and upbringing of the guest, Dramos, who has a Puerto Rican father and a New Yorican mother. He shares his experiences of navigating between New York and New Jersey, and the influence of his father's pride in Puerto Rico. Dramos discusses the importance of embracing authenticity and the challenges he faced in discovering his cultural identity. He also talks about his podcast, Life is a Gringo, and the creation of the Just Be Social Club as a safe space for growth-minded individuals. The conversation highlights the need for representation and acceptance within the Latin community and the potential of Latin music in the mainstream. In this conversation, DJ Dramos discusses the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and embracing discomfort as a means of personal growth. He shares his experience of challenging himself to speak Spanish in Puerto Rico and how it has increased his confidence and cultural connection. Dramos also emphasizes the value of expanding knowledge by exploring resources outside of one's community and the importance of deepening cultural ties. He highlights the power of connecting with one's ancestry and feeling a sense of pride and belonging. Additionally, he discusses the significance of celebrating differences and fostering empathy and authenticity for a more peaceful world. Finally, Dramos shares his passion for building a thriving community through his podcast and social club, Just Be.

takeaways

• Embracing authenticity and cultural identity is a journey that takes time and self-reflection.
• Parents' understanding and support play a crucial role in a child's exploration of their passions and cultural identity.
• Representation and acceptance within the Latin community are important for fostering a sense of belonging and pride.
• Latin music's popularity and success demonstrate the potential for diverse voices to thrive in the mainstream.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Congratulating the Host

01:20
Cultural Background and Upbringing

03:46
Connection to Puerto Rico

04:11
Influence of Father's Pride in Puerto Rico

06:38
Longing for Puerto Rico

08:06
Language and Cultural Identity

09:41
Learning Spanish from Grandmother

10:37
Parents' Approach to Language

11:13
Awareness of Cultural Differences

14:19
Internalized Racism within the Latin Community

16:26
Experiences of Racism in School

18:59
Parents' Expectations and Limiting Beliefs

20:22
Growing Up in a Segregated Neighborhood

24:29
Parents' Ignorance and Lack of Understanding

26:26
Journey to Embrace Cultural Identity

30:15
Challenges of Embracing Authenticity

33:51
Life is a Gringo Podcast

40:04
Life is a Gringo and Just Be Social Club

43:18
Authenticity as a Superpower

46:47
Importance of Recognizing and Supporting Children's Passions

51:18
Representation and Acceptance in the Latin Community

57:36
Latin Music's Impact and Potential

58:56
Embracing Authenticity and Participating in Mainstream Conversations

59:06
Closing Thoughts

59:20
Stepping out of Comfort Zones

01:01:03
Expanding Knowledge and Cultural Ties

01:03:24
Connecting with Ancestry

01:04:35
Celebrating Differences

01:06:39
Authenticity and Empathy for Peace

01:07:01
Promoting Community and Growth

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In this conversation, Tracy shares her journey growing up in a multiracial household in the San Francisco Bay Area, discussing the cultural influences of her Chinese and Eastern European heritage. She reflects on her experiences with language, identity, and microaggressions, as well as the expectations placed on her regarding education and relationships. Tracy also delves into her passion for writing and storytelling, highlighting her transition from environmental studies to theater and screenwriting. Throughout the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of belonging, representation, and self-advocacy in navigating her cultural identity. In this conversation, Tracy discusses her journey from theater to screenwriting, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and cultural influences in her work. She shares her passion for environmentalism, rooted in her childhood experiences, and highlights the need for diverse narratives in storytelling. Tracy co-founded a film production company focused on conservation and aims to create inclusive conversations through comedy. She reflects on the significance of community in the arts and the importance of empowering BIPOC voices in screenwriting. The discussion culminates in a dialogue about the role of privilege in allyship and the necessity of understanding diverse perspectives to foster world peace.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Tracy's Multiracial Background

02:59
Cultural Influences and Family Dynamics

05:53
Language and Communication in a Multiracial Household

08:55
Navigating Identity and Microaggressions

11:58
Education and Cultural Expectations

14:50
The Journey into Writing and Storytelling

17:57
Experiences of Belonging and Community

20:59
Reflections on Identity and Representation

24:01
Advice on Navigating Cultural Identity

27:11
Current Projects and Future Aspirations

33:20
The Journey into Theater and Screenwriting

34:30
Cultural Influences in Writing

36:41
Environmentalism and Its Roots

39:35
The Importance of Diverse Narratives

41:15
Creating Inclusive Conversations through Comedy

45:15
Building a Brand with Conservation Starters

49:10
Finding Community in the Arts

53:01
Empowering BIPOC Voices in Screenwriting

55:28
The Importance of Diversity in Storytelling

01:01:33
Using Privilege for Allyship

Takeaways

• Tracy grew up in a multiracial household with Chinese and Eastern European roots.
• Her family was very Americanized, blending cultural traditions.
• Language barriers and microaggressions shaped her identity experience.
• Education was highly valued, with a focus on becoming well-rounded.
• Tracy's passion for storytelling emerged from her theater experiences.
• She faced challenges of belonging in cultural spaces as a multiracial individual.
• Tracy emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in the creative industry.
• Her mother's perspective on education influenced her academic journey.
• Tracy's experiences reflect the complexities of navigating identity.
• She continues to explore her cultural identity through her writing. Collaboration builds confidence and excitement in creative work.
• Screenwriting offers more financial viability than playwriting.
• Characters in writing often reflect the writer's own experiences.
• Environmentalism can be rooted in childhood education and family values.
• Diverse narratives are essential for understanding different perspectives.
• Comedy can be a powerful tool for discussing serious topics like conservation.
• Building a brand can involve creating accessible content for wider audien

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summary

Gabriella discusses her diverse heritage and the challenges she faced growing up in a multicultural household. She shares her experiences with language, cultural traditions, and the search for a sense of belonging. Gabriella also talks about her journey to find spaces where she feels comfortable and the importance of community. She reflects on the superpowers she has gained from her mixed background and offers advice for others navigating similar experiences. Lastly, she discusses the impact of microaggressions and the importance of understanding and empathy. In this conversation, Gabriella discusses her experiences as a Latinx female scientist in a male-dominated field. She shares the challenges she has faced and the importance of representation in science. Gabriella also talks about the inspiration she finds in female scientists and the support she has received from her advisors. She emphasizes the need for understanding and conversations to promote world peace and the value of learning from nature. Overall, the conversation highlights the significance of diversity and inclusivity in the scientific community.

takeaways

• Growing up in a multicultural household can be challenging, but it also provides opportunities for adaptability, compassion, and curiosity.
• Seeking out communities and engaging in conversations with people who have similar experiences can help foster a sense of belonging.
• Exploring different cultures through literature, music, and film can deepen understanding and connection to one's heritage.
• It is important to recognize and address microaggressions, understanding that they are a reflection of the other person's lack of understanding rather than a reflection of one's own identity.
• Parents can support their mixed-race children by exposing them to multiple cultures and encouraging curiosity and exploration. Representation is important in science as it brings together different experiences and perspectives, leading to unique solutions and advancements in understanding.
• Finding inspiration in female scientists and supportive advisors can help navigate the challenges of being a minority in a male-dominated field.
• Promoting understanding and having conversations with others can contribute to world peace by breaking down stereotypes and fostering empathy.
• Learning from nature and its interconnectedness can provide valuable insights and solutions to scientific and societal challenges.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

03:18
Language and Cultural Traditions

07:17
Sense of Belonging and Community

10:56
Finding Spaces of Belonging

14:09
Hiding and Embracing Identities

19:36
Family History and Heritage

21:34
Pressure to Conform and Pursue Education

25:49
Passion for Science and Cultural Influences

29:48
Exploration and Seeking Community

34:44
Superpowers and Advice

41:29
Dealing with Microaggressions

46:37
Navigating a Male-Dominated Field

51:26
Finding Inspiration in Female Scientists

57:27
The Importance of Representation in Science

59:09
Promoting Understanding and Conversations

01:02:47
Excitement and Fear of Contact with Other Life

01:03:29
Learning from Nature

01:05:06
Closing Thoughts

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Welcome to Episode 4 of the Multiracialverse podcast! I'm your host, Antonio Fernandez. Today, we're delving into the extraordinary journey of the fabulous couple behind Mis Tacones, a one-of-a-kind vegan restaurant in Portland, co-founded by Carlos Reynoso and Polo Abram Bañuelos.

Carlos and Polo, two queer Chicanx pioneers, relocated from Los Angeles to Portland, seeking connection and community. Faced with the challenges of finding belonging as brown queer individuals, they decided to share their love for food, art, and nostalgia, giving birth to Mis Tacones.

Inspired by the street food of L.A. and Baja California, Carlos and Polo serve tacos infused with self-expression. Imagine them in six-inch stilettos, creating both delicious food and empowering looks that define Mis Tacones.

Despite pandemic hurdles, Mis Tacones continued to unite people through pop-up ventures, from private dinners to sunny markets and glittering queer dance parties, aiming to create a welcoming space for everyone.

In this episode, Carlos shares his journey as an immigrant born on the border, shaping his profound love for food, while Polo reflects on their connection to the California central valley, where their family worked tending to the food that’s on most of our tables.  They both also get vulnerable and share about how racism and having to hide their sexual identity negatively impacted their self-esteem while growing up.  

Join me in this inspiring conversation and fall in love with Mis Amores, Carlos and Polo, the creative, loving and incredible minds behind Mis Tacones.

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Today, on Episode #3 of the Multiracialverse Podcast, we have the incredible Bren Juarez in the spotlight—a vibrant and empowered force like no other. Bren is not just a Certified Life Coach, but a devoted mom of two, a Podcast host, and a dedicated Community Coordinator at the local school district. As the daughter of a Mexican immigrant and a first-generation Latina we aim to broaden the scope of our podcast by delving into the rich tapestry of multicultural experiences. Bren's story is a testament to the dichotomies that arise when cultural roots extend beyond the borders of the United States, intertwining with the complexities that arise when these cultures encounter the American way of life. 

Join us as we explore how Brenda unravels her own roots to help her tree of life grow amidst the intricate interplay of diverse cultural influences. Picture this episode as a life coaching session where we unravel Bren's own transformative journey—a tale of a trauma-filled L.A city girl who evolved into a self-aware small-town woman on a purposeful path over a decade. Get ready to be inspired and motivated as we navigate the empowering wisdom Bren Juarez has to share with our audience, shedding light on the interconnectedness of cultures and the personal growth that arises from embracing these unique intersections in the mixed-up world of the multiracialverse.  

Discover Bren’s inspiring content on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and her website. Tune in to her captivating podcast, “Toxica in Recovery.

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 Welcome to Episode #2 of the Multiracialverse podcast, I am your host Antonio Fernandez. 

In this episode, we delve into the vibrant canvas of Sara Baumann’s biracial experience. 

Sara is the visionary force behind Women and Weapons, which amassed $17 million in sales, earning admiration from distinguished entrepreneurs and celebrities like Gary Vaynerchuk and Steve Aoki. 

In a male-dominated tech landscape, Sara embodies resilience, strength, and artistry, intertwining her Iranian American heritage into a vivid narrative showcasing resilience and innovation. 

Sara's presence shines a beacon, encouraging women to embrace their power in this traditionally male-oriented domain. 

Her strides echo a relentless rhythm of progress, catalyzing change in a field often lacking diversity. 

Prepare to delve into the life experiences and work of Sara Baumann, a maestro inspiring a new generation of boundary-breaking creators in this mixed-up, Multiracialverse we inhabit."

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Today, we embark on a fascinating journey with the incredibly talented Gabrielle Tesfaye, an interdisciplinary artist who paints her story across the canvas of multi-racial identity. Her life, a kaleidoscope of experiences spanning continents, echoes the mosaic of her heritage from Jamaica, India, and Ethiopia. Raised amidst a whirlwind of artistic exploration and diverse influences, Gabrielle's journey embodies resilience and creativity.

 Listen in as we unravel the raw emotions and deeply personal narratives infused into her work, each stroke a testament to her ability to transform pain into poignant artistry. we dive deep into her upbringing, exploring the impact of her diverse heritage on her creative expression and the unique lens through which she views the world. We also talk about the impact of travel on broadening her worldview and her art and the idea that a place other than where you were born could be your “Soul’s” Place. 

Gabriele has garnered recognition from prestigious publications like BBC, Vogue, and AFROPUNK, and her work has been showcased internationally. Join us as we unravel the intricate layers of Gabrielle's journey, discovering how her experiences in different corners of the world have shaped the vibrant tapestry of her artistic identity. Get ready for a captivating conversation that transcends borders and explores the beautiful mosaic of being a multi-racial individual in today's beautiful and mixed-up world.

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This is the Teaser Episode of the Multiracialverse Podcast featuring an intro from the host, Antonio Fernandez, and clips from upcoming episodes. 

The podcast aims to talk about all things multiracial and multicultural. To hear a preview listen to this episode!

The podcast officially launches on 1/8/2024 and will drop a new episode every Thursday.

Intro music lyrics and mix by Yohannes Skoda 
Intro music DJ Kazam

Please subscribe for upcoming episodes!!