Podcetera

Poetry has long been a powerful medium for capturing human experience, and in this episode of Podcetera, we explore its timeless art with James Morehead, former Poet Laureate of Dublin, California.

What does it take to be a true change-maker?

As the President and CEO of Cafe Don Pedro, Pedro leverages his extensive background in public service and community organizing to create a unique specialty coffee experience. His career highlights include serving as Director of the Office of Human Resources for the City of Philadelphia and Executive Director of the Action Alliance of Senior Citizens. Pedro's unwavering commitment to social justice and community advocacy is evident through his leadership roles in organizations such as the Germantown Relief Society and the Union Benevolent Association.

In this episode, we discuss the challenges and rewards of community organizing, the importance of accurate representation in civic processes, and Pedro's vision for an equitable world. We also touch on his recent recognition as Citizen of the Year by the Dominican Parade and Festival Committee and his new role as President of the Dominican Electoral Commission for PA and DE. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with wisdom, passion, and advice for aspiring change-makers.

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How does one navigate the crossroads of faith and LGBTQ+ advocacy in a rapidly changing world? 

Reverend Irene Monroe shares her compelling journey into activism and her views on LGBTQ+ inclusion in religious communities. She highlights key moments from her career, discusses Pope Francis's conflicting remarks, and addresses the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community under various political climates, including the potential reelection of President Trump. Reverend Monroe also explores the complexities of reconciling religious teachings with LGBTQ+ identities, the role of fear in religion, and the importance of promoting spirituality over institutionalized religion. Join us for an engaging dialogue on faith, advocacy, and the power of inclusive religious spaces.

Rev. Irene Monroe is a renowned theologian, LGBTQ+ advocate, and co-host of the podcast All Revved Up on WGBH (89.7 FM). She is described in O, the Oprah Magazine, as “a phenomenal woman who has succeeded against all odds.” An African-American lesbian feminist public theologian, she is a sought-after speaker and preacher.

With a powerful voice at the intersection of faith and social justice, she has dedicated her career to promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion within religious communities and addressing the challenges faced by marginalized groups. Reverend Monroe is widely recognized for her insightful commentary on religion, politics, and LGBTQ+ rights, and she actively engages in public speaking, writing, and activism to foster inclusive and equitable spaces. Her work bridges the gap between religious teachings and LGBTQ+ identities, advocating for a spirituality that transcends institutionalized boundaries.

She’s a Huffington Post blogger and a syndicated religion columnist. Her columns appear across the country and in the U.K, Ireland, and Canada. In addition, she writes a weekly column in the Boston LGBTQ+ newspaper Baywindows, Cambridge Chronicle, and opinion pieces for the Boston Globe.

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Maria Sammartino, Editor-in-Chief, and Peter Frycki, Publisher of Out in Jersey Magazine, join us to delve into the magazine's origins, growth, and profound impact on the Jersey LGBTQ community since its establishment in 2002.

Driven by the absence of everyday coverage of New Jersey LGBTQ+ news and events, founders Peter Frycki and Toby Grace saw an opportunity to make a difference. Instead of focusing solely on gruesome events like murders, they envisioned a publication that would highlight the vibrant LGBTQ+ community and its stories.

Throughout our conversation, Peter and Maria illuminate the magazine's crucial role as a platform for advocacy, education, and the amplification of diverse voices. They also candidly discuss the operational hurdles they've faced, the paramount importance of inclusivity and balance in content, and the enduring influence of grassroots journalism.

Despite industry declines, Out in Jersey remains one of the few surviving print publications, continuing to support and inform the LGBTQ+ community across New Jersey.

Out In Jersey is a news and event website and bi-monthly LGBTQ print magazine. OutInJersey.net is updated with the latest news, events, features, and commentary, plus theatre, restaurant, music, books, and movie reviews each day. The magazine is a full-color glossy and distributed at over 310 locations.

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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Lincoln Greenidge, President and CEO of Sandfire Resources America Inc., to discuss his book, "No More Excuses." With nearly three decades of experience across six industries, Lincoln shares his insights on finding one’s purpose without delay and leading a life dedicated to serving others.

Originally from St. Lucia, Lincoln's finance journey began early at the National Commercial Bank of St. Lucia. He later moved to Ottawa, Canada, where he pursued higher education, earning his CPA and CA designations. His illustrious career includes pivotal roles at Coopers and Lybrand, Nortel, MDS, IAMGOLD, HudBay, Enirgi Group, LeadFX, LSC Lithium, Pasofino Gold, and now Sandfire Resources America.

Lincoln urges readers to abandon excuses and embrace a life of purpose. He highlights the significance of passion, self-belief, and utilizing one’s gifts to serve others meaningfully. His philosophy is straightforward: true success arises from dedication, passion, and leveraging one's unique strengths.

Lincoln shares his deeply personal story of resilience and hope. His son Tyler's battle with bilateral retinoblastoma and subsequent autism diagnosis have profoundly shaped his outlook on life. Lincoln speaks candidly about staying positive despite grief and pain after the sudden passing of his wife, using his experiences to inspire others to find blessings amid challenges.

Discover Lincoln's compelling message of perseverance, purpose, and positivity, inspiring you to overcome excuses and pursue your true purpose.

If you've ever been captivated by the immersive soundscapes of movie trailers or commercials, you've likely encountered the artistry of Damir Price, a multifaceted music producer, composer, and co-owner of redCola. Together with his creative partner Jonathan Paul, redCola pioneers innovative music and sound design for film and TV advertising.

In this episode of Podcetera, join us for a insightful conversation with Damir as he traces his remarkable journey from his roots in former Yugoslavia to his current role as a composer and producer in Los Angeles. Reflecting on his upbringing steeped in music and the impactful mentorship of his father and uncle, Damir shares the trials and triumphs that shaped his career path, including the founding of Red Cola. Delving into the intersection of technology and creativity, Damir explores the evolving landscape of music production and the resurgence of his passion for the piano. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community-building, and nurturing emerging talent in the music industry. Beyond redCola, Damir's initiatives such as the Short Story Collective and VantaBlack showcase his commitment to fostering global connections and pushing the boundaries of sonic storytelling. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on the transformative power of music.

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Step into the vibrant world of Amazon Country, a groundbreaking radio show airing on WXPN Radio in Philadelphia since 1974, dedicated to amplifying the voices of lesbian and feminist musicians. Join us as we uncover the rich history of this iconic program and the remarkable woman at its helm, Debra D'Alessandro.

As host and producer of Amazon Country since 1996, Debra has been the driving force behind its success, guiding it through decades of musical evolution. She shares captivating stories from the show's inception to its continued impact on the airwaves today, providing insight into its enduring relevance and significance.

But Debra's influence extends beyond radio waves—she's also a powerhouse in public health advocacy. Serving as the Director of Public Health Training and Technical Assistance at the Health Federation of Philadelphia, Debra has dedicated herself to critical healthcare education for over three decades.

We explore the intersection of Debra's work in radio and public health, delving into her multifaceted talents and the impact of her advocacy efforts. Plus, don't miss a special musical performance by Debra, as she shares her heartfelt song "Sixteen Forever," dedicated to her nephew Christopher Wheeler.

Listen in as we celebrate the enduring legacy of Amazon Country with Debra.

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In this insightful episode, we welcome Ashok K. Gangadean distinguished global philosopher, professor, author, and spiritual activist. With a teaching career spanning 56 years at Haverford College, Gangadean recounts his remarkable journey from Trinidad to academia, his profound exploration of global philosophy, and his cross-cultural dialogues on spirituality. He shares insights into his vision for global enlightenment, emphasizing the power of 'logos' or reason as a unifying principle. Reflecting on encounters with diverse wisdom traditions, Gangadean advocates for a 'code shift' to foster deeper understanding and unity among differing worldviews. His perspectives on education, spiritual evolution, and the potential for global transformation offer a compelling narrative for promoting harmony and cooperation in our increasingly fragmented world.

Ashok Gangadean is the Margaret Gest Professor of Global Philosophy at Haverford College. He is author of several books, including Meditations of Global First Philosophy: Quest for the Missing Code of Logos and the audio book - Awakening The Global Mind: A New Philosophy for Healing Ourselves and Our World (with Sounds True). Ashok is also the Founder-Director of the ((Global Dialogue Institute)) which introduced the Seven Stages of Deep Dialogue – innovative technology of Deep Dialogue between worlds in the art of being an awakened Human. 

He completed his Ph.D. in Philosophy at Brandeis University and his early work focused on Logic (Science of Thought) and Ontology (Science of Being). Throughout his career he has been in quest of the primal integral logic at the heart of human reason, and in bringing to the fore the deep dynamics of communication and dialogue between diverse worldviews. In this quest over four decades to clarify and excavate the common ground across and between widely diverse worlds, cultures, ideologies and disciplines he has emerged as a pioneer of the new frontier of global reason, global ethics and global wisdom. His courses include Philosophy of Logic and Language, Global Ontology, Global Ethics, Hindu, Buddhist and Zen Thought in Global Context and Global Wisdom.

Each March, thousands gather from around the globe in Austin, Texas, for the renowned SXSW® Conference & Festivals. Hugh Forrest, Co-President and Chief Programming Officer for South by Southwest (SXSW) joins us to share invaluable insights into achieving success at SXSW, discusses the influence of Austin on the event and festival's landscape, highlights exciting 2024 sessions, and regales us with captivating stories from past events.

Since 2020, there has been an alarming nationwide increase (According to the Human Rights Campaign) reported toward transgender women of color and gender non-conforming people.

In response to this increase, the office of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, invited members of the community in 2022 to form an LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee to work with criminal justice partners to address shortcomings that historically have made queer Philadelphians both more vulnerable to violence and to over-policing and prosecution. 

On this episode of Podcetera, we are joined by Kelly Burkhardt (she/her) and Mikah Thomas (he/they). Kelly serves as the LGBTQ+ Liaison and Victim Witness Coordinator for the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, bringing her expertise in trauma-informed care to her role. Mikah Thomas, a biracial trans man, dedicated parent, and community leader, collaborates with Kelly to ensure victims and families access essential care and services. Tune in to learn about their impactful work and the crucial importance of fostering trust and support within the LGBTQ+ community.

For more information, visit:

LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee: