Dulce Castañeda is the daughter of a meat packing plant worker in Crete, Nebraska. As the COVID-19 pandemic first began, Dulce was an early and loud voice raising awareness on the need to protect plant workers from the virus, given the working conditions of meat processing plants. She eventually played a part in forming the group Children of Smithfield, with other sons & daughters of plant workers. The movement has since grown and partnered with similar groups across the state of Nebraska and beyond, as the rates of infection ballooned among plant workers from many communities across the midwest. 

Dulce does a fantastic job unpacking why she felt she had to take a stand for her community, the influx of emotions that such efforts caused her to feel, and how there is still much work to be done to help the workers get their stories out and get the protections they need going forward. 

You can learn more about Dulce & the Children of Smithfield at: https://www.facebook.com/ChildrenOfSmithfield/ 

Join us for Episode 19 of Quest for Fire, the Podcast! 

Angie Philips is a grassroots organizer who, after a frustrating trip to Washington DC, made the bold decision to run for United States Senator, with the goal of representing Nebraska in Congress. During the past few years, Angie has been visible throughout the state, participating in community events and interacting with Nebraskans from all across the political spectrum. Though unsuccessful in clinching the democratic nomination in the primary, Angie continues to be involved all throughout the state with issues that involve social, racial, and economic justice, among many other issues.

During our conversation, Angie details why she ran for federal office, the different concerns from voters across the state, and how disinformation has impacted the current political climate. 

You can learn more about Angie at www.AngiePhilips.com/ . 

Join us, for Episode 18 of Quest for Fire, the Podcast! 

Content by Romu Media LLC 

Irvin Ramirez & Yaid Puente Jimenez love to have thought-provoking conversations. Over the past year, Irvin has launched Feel Good Digital Media, which produces a variety of content in English & Spanish, with the goal of improving one's well-being. One show is titled "Thought Provoking Conversations", which Irvin co-hosts with Yaid, where the two unpack a series of deep questions and thoughts with each other, and guests.  

We have a great conversation about male vulnerability, the lessons we've learned when we listen to one another, and the need to make our society continually think and be curious to learn.

Join us for Episode 17 of Quest for Fire, the Podcast! 

Find the Feel Good Digital Media YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx1YU8b1O5o1U4XZ_MBWT7A/ 

Bryan Perrin, a registered nurse & our guest from Episode 16, has a deeper conversation with us regarding the science behind COVID-19, and the effectiveness of best practices to curb the spread of the virus. 

Lots of great insight here, enjoy this BONUS CONTENT! 

NOTE: As always, consult your physician for direct medical guidance. 

Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/RomuMediaLLC/ 

Bryan Perrin is a Registered Nurse in Lincoln, Nebraska.  A friend of mine since college, he's an insightful communicator, one who has always helped me think about a variety of complex perspectives from different vantage points.  Since I value his perspective, I wanted to touch upon the subject of messaging during COVID-19. 

In our conversation, we learn about why Bryan chose a pathway to Nursing as a profession, his ability to communicate deep thoughts effectively, and we talk about our current frustrations and difficulties finding clarity among the mixed messages that have pervaded our society since the COVID-19 pandemic began. 

Join us for Episode 16 of Quest for Fire!

Content by Romu Media LLC 

Stephany Pleasant is a public interest lawyer and is running for Nebraska legislature for district 25.  As a potential Nebraska state senator, she unpacks what her priorities are, and why she chose to embark on a path into the political arena.

We have a fantastic conversation about Poverty, about the disconnect between elected officials & their constituents, and Stephany breaks down the many concerns and questions that Nebraskans are facing, within her district and across the state.

Stephany shares a bit about her upbringing, her reasons for choosing to study law, and how her approach to leadership includes finding ways to heal the divisions & fears felt throughout our Nebraskan communities. 

You can learn more about Stephany at http://pleasantforne.com/ .

Join us for Episode 15 of Quest for Fire, the Podcast! 

Maya Saenz is a multimedia journalist in Omaha, Nebraska. She details her journey as a bilingual & bicultural Mexican-American, her upbringing in Colorado with a stint in Texas, and why she chose & loves her profession.

During our conversation, Maya unpacks how important it is to help a community document & share their stories, not only during moments of convenience but rather to make sure that the communities are accurately represented and served on a consistent basis. 

Maya shares her thoughts as we engage in an insightful discussion about our society's media consumption, the manipulation of narratives, and how social media can influence one's perception of news as "fact" versus "opinionated fact". 

Join us for Episode 14 of Quest for Fire, the Podcast! 

NOTE: due to social distancing, the conversation was conducted through online technology. 

Josue Covarrubias started his journey into education as a young immigrant from Mexico , to now serving as a principal of a middle school in south-central Nebraska. Josue shares his early experiences trying to fit in as a young student, the impact of support systems at home and at school, and how he now, as an educator, is constantly striving to better serve students, their parents, and the overall community. 

Josue unpacks many deep and personal thoughts on the connection between school, home, and community, and how our collective society is stronger when we truly make the attempt to get to know one another.    

Join us for Episode 13 of Quest for Fire, the Podcast! 

Yazmin Gamez recently launched No Coast Designs & Apparel, in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Yazmin has made it a priority to serve the needs of local & small businesses, and community organizations.  She shares a bit about her upbringing, the disconnect she observed earlier in life between community needs & business offerings , and how her goals for No Coast DNA will hopefully bridge those gaps. 

Yazmin details how her vision will serve many communities, including immigrants and Dreamers. She also explains he need to incorporate cultural and artistic elements into the apparel she will soon produce as her business grows, and how role models influenced her to have the confidence and focus to embark on launching her own business. 

Learn more about Yazmin & No Coast Designs & Apparel at: https://www.nocoastdesignsandapparel.com/collections/

Join us for Episode 12 of Quest for Fire, the Podcast! 

Jazari Kual is CEO of media company Kualdom Creations, out of Lincoln, Nebraska.  Jazari has made it a priority to document, through Live stream and many other methods, an accurate portrayal of the feelings, messages, and goals of the local Black Lives Matter efforts. His content is most notable for the clarity, the consistency, and the energy that has become a trademark of him and the young team surrounding him.

During our conversation, using the backdrop of media and messaging, we unpack some emotionally charged and complex topics including misconceptions about BLM, the response to local BLM efforts from different racial populations in Nebraska, and how Jazari plans to grow his company while supporting the communities and the voices that haven't felt represented by larger media entities.

You can learn more about Jazari and Kualdom Creations at https://www.kualdomcreations.com/ 

Join us for Episode 11, of Quest for Fire, the podcast! 

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