Leave it to Gen Z to cut to the chase.   "Let's f*cking talk to each other!"

The perfect name for a campaign to get Americans, and especially our politicians, out of their silos for the greater good -- namely solving the problems that face our democracy and our very existence.

Manu Meel and his fellow Gen Z colleagues at BridgeUSA are painfully aware that they will inherit today's problems tomorrow.  And they're on a mission to give themselves a fighting chance.

The first step:  Change the way we engage and figure out how to f*cking talk to each other!

Forbes 30 Under 30

Meel launched the flagship Bridge chapter in 2016 while pursuing a degree in political science at UC Berkeley.   He catapulted BridgeUSA into national news within 3 months.   

He is now CEO of the non-profit, one of Forbes 30 Under 30 2022, and has been featured in the New York Times and Washington Post.

Manu is passionate about empowering young people to bridge divides and fight polarization.

The organization he leads aims to improve political culture on college campuses.   More than 40 campuses in 19 states now have BridgeUSA chapters.

Hitting the Road

As I write this, Manu and his colleagues are hitting the road to visit many of those college campuses and kick off the Let's F*cking Talk to Each Other campaign.

Over the next three weeks they will explore why 60% of college students avoid talking about issues like politics, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender.

Step 2 is to figure out how to talk to each other.  

As the BridgeUSA website states, "We can’t continue to let our differences divide us. We must learn how to communicate across our differences, and demand the same from our leaders.  Let's just f*cking talk to each other!"

Amen.

www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

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My guest this week takes us on a journey that leads to the intersection of activism and joy.  And what a wonderful ride it is!

The journey unfolds in the pages of Karen Walrond's new book, "The Lightmaker's Manifesto:  How to Work for Change Without Losing Your Joy".   

Our guide is the author herself, who is also an activist, speaker, leadership coach and photographer extraordinaire.

Tips and Tools for Activists

If you're like me, when you think of the word "activist", the next word that comes to mind probably isn't "joy."  But reading Karen's latest book changed my perspective and opened my mind to new possibilities.

In our wide-ranging conversation, we explore how the book came to life and why it is resonating with so many at this moment.

She reflects on her personal backstory and how her Trinidadian heritage informs her life and current work as an activist.  

That work now includes a new role at the Brené Brown Education and Research Group.  Karen's good friend, Brené, recently tapped her to be the Senior Director of Global Engagement for the organization.

And for all you activists out there, I've got you.  We can all use a bit of advice to implement our strategies for making the world a better place.  

So I asked Karen to offer a few tips and tools to help you find and maintain your joy in the midst of the struggle.

Bright Life. Big Heart. Can't Lose.

Bright Life.  Big Heart. Can't Lose.  Each year, Karen chooses a word or phrase to guide her.

Bright Life, Big Heart, Can't Lose is this year's guidepost.  Something she calls upon to navigate the twists and turns that inevitably come her way.

Listen to Karen connect her truth to her values.  

Allow yourself to be inspired.  

Go out and change the world.  

Then meet me at the intersection of activism and joy.  


www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

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If anyone can show Olympic figure skater, Kamila Valieva, how to rise above with joy, it’s Olympic gold medalist, Scott Hamilton.

The 2022 winter games that just wrapped up were devastating for the 15 year-old Russian phenom.  She went into the games as a gold medal favorite and finished 4th in the midst of a doping scandal.

Hamilton brought not only his expertise, but his humanity, to his role as a commentator for NBC Sports.  

He stood firm in his belief that Valieva should not be allowed to compete after testing positive for three banned substances.

But he was just as firm in expressing his compassion for a young athlete — a minor — whose coaches and other adults failed to protect her.

That is Scott.  Compassionate.  Warm.  Vulnerable.  Inspiring.

All of that and more are on full display in this emotional conversation we had almost a year ago.

As you will see, Scott was undeterred and undaunted by the inevitable ups and downs of life.  Time after time, it would have been so easy to quit.

But that is not in his DNA.

One can only imagine the emotional turmoil Valieva is experiencing — and how she will come out of it.

It will not be easy.  

But if she is looking for a roadmap to begin this difficult journey, she need look no further than the Olympic Champion who can give us all a master class in how to rise above with joy.

www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

Support the show

Jacque Reid is a walking, talking example of the power of a good side hustle.

Yes, she’s an Emmy award-winning TV and radio journalist with national network experience.  CNN. BET. NBC (Oscars Red Carpet team).  Tom Joyner Morning Show.  

But she is also her own powerhouse brand, creating content to feed what ignites her passion.

As an animal advocate, Jacque’s biggest passion right now is the Vegan Sexy Cool brand.  She uses her voice to promote veganism through a digital lifestyle magazine, influencer dinners and a podcast.

She is also co-host of another popular podcast, Reid This Reid That, with MSNBC’s, Joy Reid.  The backstory Jacque shares about how they got started is hilarious!

Our conversation runs the gamut from why she became a Vegan — to a career pivot to preserve her mental health — to her “other” experiences in the media business.  And why she consistently pours into aspiring journalists as they launch their careers.

Jacque got her start in local TV after graduating from Clark Atlanta University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.  Our paths crossed at KPRC-TV in Houston.

I had booked her for the podcast during a planned visit to Houston in 2020, just as Covid hit and shut everything down.

Two years later, we finally made it happen!  


www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

Support the show

Are you ready for some football?  NFL Hall of Famers James Lofton and Warren Moon weigh in on COVID and the gridiron.  What are the odds we'll truly have a season?  Is it safe to play?  Would they take the field if they were still playing?  What about the role of professional athletes in the racial justice movement?  And yes, we talk about Colin Kaepernick taking a knee, all that followed, and so much more.

Are you ready for some fun?  I am, and so are they!  Football fans know Lofton from his stellar career as a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles.  Fans know Moon as the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Kansas City Chiefs, and of course, the Houston Oilers.  And if you happen to be a fan of the Oilers or the Bills, and you know your football history, you know where I'm going -- the 1992 season.  We even talk about that, so be sure and watch until the end!  If you have no idea what I'm talking about, Google "biggest blown lead in NFL history" and then listen until the end of the podcast.  You won't be sorry.

This is the perfect episode to put a period on our summer season as we go on hiatus for a few weeks.  We tackle (pun intended) the issues of the day, but we also laugh a lot.  I needed that.  I'll bet you do, too.  So enjoy, and please promise me this in the midst of all we are facing -- promise that you'll keep looking for the bright side of life and cherish every laugh, every tear, every moment that reminds us how magical it is to be alive and part of the human race. 


www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

Support the show

I’m always looking for ways to better connect us as humans.  That includes getting us out of our filter bubbles.  

My guest today quit his day job over 10 years ago and dedicated himself to that mission.  What John Gable came up with is AllSides, a media technology company that rates bias and identifies different perspectives.

The goal — to provide balanced news and information and enable civil dialogue. 

When you go to AllSides.com, the first thing you see is three points of view about the same news topic.  One from the right, one from the left and one from the center.  Read all three and get a more thorough, balanced understanding of the subject matter.

As Founder and CEO of AllSides, Gable brings a robust technology background to the table.  Both Netscape and Microsoft are on his resume from the early days of the internet.

Before his move to Silicon Valley, he was a political aid for the Republican party.  He has a B.A. in philosophy from Vanderbilt and an MBA from Duke.

Gable and I met a few years ago when I moderated a panel about bridging our divides, hosted by Convergence.  We connected instantly and I knew I wanted to share his perspective with the Our Voices Matter Podcast audience.

He talks about the early days of AllSides, the twists and turns along the way, and why he feels hopeful about our future, even in the face of the daunting challenges to our democracy.

It’s an important conversation that I’m proud to share with you.

Website References:
• America Talks- Helping Americans talk through their differences.
• Living Room Conversations- Healing divides starts with conversations.
• TED Talk with John Gable and Joan Blades- Free Yourself From Your Filter Bubbles

www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

Support the show

What is race?  What is racism?  How can schools and companies address racism?

Scilla Andreen is on a mission to answer these questions and more in her soon to be released documentary, “RACE To Be Human”.

Andreen is an award-winning producer, director and CEO/Co-Founder of IndieFlix.  The global streaming and screening service provides content for a purpose.

She is also an Emmy-nominated costume designer for the original TV series, “The Wonder Years”.

That was the beginning of a long and storied resume that now includes creating films to engage, empower and teach communities, schools and corporations.

The goal:  to help us lead happier, healthier and more connected lives.

Tackling Tough Topics

Connection, of course, is key.  That ever-elusive element when tackling tough topics — like race.

Andreen’s approach is rooted in the belief that you must meet people where they are.  From there, you can foster conversations that lead to trust and understanding.

“RACE To Be Human” shows us the impact of racism on our mental health through the lens of students, experts and educators.

It’s a powerful film that is meant to open discussions in the classroom, the workplace and at home, promoting empathy, healing and compassion.

What Does It Mean To Be Human?

In January of 2021, I did an Our Voices Matter podcast episode called “What Does It Mean To Be Human?"

I was compelled that day to share my raw, unfiltered thoughts in response to the assault of a previous podcast guest.

One year later, Andreen's brilliant documentary addresses that same question in a different way.

The courage and vulnerability of the young people who share their stories is breathtaking.

Our job is to listen and believe what they say.

www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

Support the show

The reason I became a journalist is the same reason I started this podcast:  to tell stories that matter.  To help make the world a better place.

I would argue that’s what investigative reporter Brendan Keefe does every time he takes on a topic, always with one goal in mind:  to uncover the truth.

Brendan is the Chief Investigator for WXIA, 11Alive in Atlanta, and co-founder of The Reveal, a weekly investigative show on Atlanta’s TEGNA-owned NBC affiliate.

He’s one of the most decorated investigative journalists in the country.  At last count, he has a Peabody Award, a DuPont Columbia Award, six Edward R. Murrow Awards, a national Emmy Award and more than 100 regional Emmys to his name.

Changing Laws & Saving Lives

The hardware is nice, but for Brendan, it’s about the freedom that hardware buys him — the freedom to choose and follow his stories wherever they might lead.

As a result, his stories have changed laws and saved lives.

He shares several of the backstories here, including the role of 911 in the Parkland school shooting, and why he looked where other reporters didn’t.

I was eager to sit down with my former colleague from KPRC-TV to talk about the industry we both love, and to which we have dedicated our lives. 

An industry that is vital to a fully functioning democracy.  An industry that is rapidly changing.  An industry under attack.

The Future of Journalism

Why are so many young journalists leaving the business?  Is media consolidation on the horizon and what would that mean for our democracy?  

What are journalists getting right, and where can we do better?  How do we educate and engage the public about the making of good journalism so they can make informed media choices?

And as a husband and father of two, how does Brendan see the future for his children and yours?

It’s an important conversation that I hope will shed light on how meaningful journalism is crafted and delivered.  And why it matters.

www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

Support the show

What will it take to fix our broken immigration system?  It’s a contentious, highly partisan issue U.S. lawmakers have grappled with for decades.  And it’s one that is deeply personal to this week’s guest on Our Voices Matter podcast.

Stan Marek has spent the last 30 years working with local, state and national leaders to find a sensible solution to immigration reform.

The Human Face of Immigration

Much of that time is spent putting a human face on those at the center of the storm.  Fathers, mothers and children — thousands of whom he has employed through the years as President and CEO of Marek Construction.

It is their faces that drive Stan to work across deep political divides.

It is their stories that drive him to seek a fair resolution to immigration reform for Americans and immigrants, including the millions who live and work in the shadows.

The Rational Middle

Beyond his work in the political arena, Marek has put his support behind documentary filmmakers at The Rational Middle. 

The award-winning documentary and podcast series examines controversial topics, including immigration, “ensuring that the information brought to bear is accurate and surrounded by the proper context, while presenting reasonable arguments and rejecting extremist rhetoric.”

Marek is also the co-author of a new book, “Deconstructed: An Insider’s View of Illegal Immigration and the Building Trades”.

Immigrant Roots

Stan’s passion is rooted in his own immigrant story, which he shares in our conversation.  

He also offers his top three suggestions for reforming our broken system in a manner that recognizes the humanity of those who are seeking a better life.

It’s painfully clear that there are no easy answers. In fact, Stan worries that “people have given up on immigration.  They’re just waiting to see what happens next.  But I can’t give up.  I’ve got all these employees who have families…and I can’t give up for the kids…”

We can’t give up either, Stan.  The voices of those kids and their families matter.  So let’s keep this conversation going until we find a solution that works for everyone.

www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

Support the show

Motown Magic was a part of every day life for award-winning PR professional, Pam Perry.  
She grew up in Detroit, counting the Four Tops and the Temptations among her neighbors.  Diana Ross is her high school’s most famous alum.

“If they can do it, I can do it” Pam remembers thinking as a young girl.

Yes, representation matters.  

Pam’s “it” turned out to be public relations, marketing and branding.  Today, she runs a boutique PR firm working with speakers and authors to help them attract major media.  Her clients have been featured on CNN and NBC, and in Essence, Ebony and Black Enterprise Magazines.  Pam is also the publisher of Speakers Magazine. 

As a young, Black girl growing up in the 1960’s, Pam had to navigate a bumpy road to achieve the success she currently enjoys.

Her rich backstory explores the lonely days of her early career in an industry designed to keep Blacks at the bottom.  She used that loneliness to help transform the industry she loves and has devoted her life to.

Pam’s lessons learned along the way are jewels for us all.  And for young, aspiring communications professionals, she offers invaluable advice on how to turn your goals into the career of your dreams.  Spoiler alert:  relationships are key.

Pam’s own brand of Motown Magic is on full display in our conversation as she pays it forward — and pays homage to “The Greats” who walked in her midst and showed her what’s possible.

www.PamPerryPR.com
www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

Support the show