Roar with Katherine Kendall

Today I'm speaking Emily Galvin-Almanza

She is a former public defender who earned the Deborah Rhode Prize for her work in public interest law, while at Stanford Law School, and was praised as one of the top lawyers under 40 by the American Bar Association. In the last year, Emily has spoken and written as an expert in criminal legal reform for outlets across the country.

She's the cofounder and executive director of partners for justice.

Partners for Justice trains non-attorney Advocates to provide clients with case navigation and wraparound support. In addition, they help public defenders protect people from incarceration and other criminal penalties.

She is a true badass, and she makes me believe change regarding the criminal justice system can happen.

In this episode I speak with my talented friend John Roberts, John is an actor, voice actor, comedian, writer, and singer who voices Linda Belcher on the animated sitcom Bob's Burgers. We speak about the challenges he faced in the industry and the places he found comfort and support to keep believing in himself. We discuss sexuality, artistry and the importance of staying true to yourself and your art. John's words of wisdom inspire me and remind me of the importance of self love and determination. I hope they do the same for you.

Michelle C. Bonilla is a proud Chicana, born and raised in Hollywood, California. She is an actor, writer, director and producer.

With more than 150 credits to her name, she is an avid supporter of LGBTQ rights and advocacy. She has used her skills as a writer and producer to create projects such as her short film Slip Away (2011) about substance abuse and its effect on a lesbian Latina relationship. Slip Away (2011) went on to screen at numerous film festivals around the world, including Outfest-The Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film festival, and won The Q Award at the Fort Worth Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival, and The Bronze Award at the Mexico International Film Festival for best short film. She co-created, produced and wrote the comedy web series Failing Upwards (2012).

Today we discuss her new short film I JUST WISH YOU TOLD ME. She wrote this film as a way of helping her heal after the passing of her late partner.

Today I followed up with Sonia Bailey, Executive Administrator of the YWCA of the Harbor Area in San Pedro, California. I spoke to her last on ROAR during the Presidential election where they had set up a program for voter education and racial justice for Black Lives Matter. We speak today about what changes she has seen in the community with unemployment and homelessness post the election and the pandemic of COVID19. She fills us in on their efforts, the new programs they have and all the ways we can help, get involved and support these heroic efforts.

Sandra Booker is a singer, songwriter, actress, activist, and playwrite. She is regarded as one of THE best voices in the modern jazz scene. In this episode, we talk about how she was blackballed in her industry after coming forward about the man who raped her.

In this episode, I speak with Amy Franck. She's the founder of Never Alone Advocacy. We discuss why it's so difficult for victims of sexual harassment and rape to come forward in the military and the importance of staying on track and believing victims.

In this episode I speak with Sarah Scott. Sarah is an actress and an intimacy coordinator. She spoke out bravely about her own sexual assault which took place in 2018 and called attention to the lack of infrastructure within the entertainment industry in support of sexual assault victims. This lead her to complete a training program to become an intimacy coordinator on set to provide safe spaces and the dialogue needed to create boundaries and consent. She is an integral part of assisting the industry in a long overdue transformation.

Today on Roar I spoke with Producer Gary Foster, he is known for his work on Sleepless In Seattle, Tin Cup, The Score and Short Circuit. He is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Humanity On Set (HoS) and the LEAD Program teaching Producers and Directors leadership skills to combat the abusive behavior that Hollywood has become known for. He shares valuable insight on the industry and the belief and hope that with empowered training, support, tools, techniques and resources the industry can be transformed into a more engaged, productive and responsive (vs reactive) work setting.

This is my "part 2" episode with Sarah Peyton. Sarah is a neuroscience educator, constellations facilitator, certified nonviolent communications trainer, and author. In this conversation we talk about the importance of community and accompaniment as important tools for healing. In talking to Sarah I realize I'm learning a new language. A new way of speaking to myself and others. Please visit Sarah's website for more information on her impactful work. Sarahpeyton.com