Storied Portraits: Complicated Conversations

We are constantly surrounded by labels. This conversation is based around how we handle and embrace those very labels.

Peace, Love, Unity, Respect; the code of Rave Culture. But when speaking to J and Ingrid I learn that this code may be the code of Human Culture. We need more stories like these to show us the true meaning of love. As this conversation works its way through topics of identity, sexuality, gender, body positivity, and even Myspace, I learn that there is more to a person than how they identify but that also respecting that identity is the first step to learning more about a person. Join J, Ingrid, and I in a complicated conversation.

A story of being Christian in America. If I’m being a faithful follower of Jesus I can’t hear the stories of the oppressed and say that you're making this up.

Kelly tells me Turner Syndrome affects approximately 1 in every 2,000 live born baby girls. An estimated 98% of Turner Syndrome pregnancies end in miscarriage. This is Kelly's story about her pregnancy with Claire and the challenges experienced through her pregnancy and after her termination for medical reasons. This story is a personal look into a world few of us understand unless we have personally experienced it and offers some valuable insight into how we can support those who have.

I speak with Allen, a resident in the Berkeley, California area about his life experiences growing up in contrast to his parents and his children's experiences. We discuss the difficulties of a multi racial marriage and family. And how Allen has addressed parenting his children as they discover their heritage and identity as it relates to social norms. We speak about Rodney King and how George Floyd is a constant reminder of how things are still so much the same for people of color in this country. Allen and I are friends, but this conversation was our first talking about race. We both grew from it. Here's hoping you will too.

I discuss with my guest Pierce the difficulties of when religion and sexuality clash. We address the stereotypes Muslim Americans still deal with since 9/11. We talk about the future and the hopes and dreams for a world where there is no "other" when it comes to a persons identity. And we learn about how love and family can overcome any differences. Listen in for some in depth conversation and stories that will take you down a journey of life in America and abroad as a Queer Muslim.

I speak with Grant, a friend I made a few years ago while working on a Route 66 Preservation Project. During that time Grant and I shared conversations that grew my perspective on the difficulties of coming out to family and friends. During our candid conversation we speak a lot about the LGBTQ community, it's issues with systemic racism, as well as the fight for liberty in this country. And Grant takes us down the personal journey of identity and the difficulties in sharing it.

This week I speak with Sally, a Special Education Teacher, who takes me down a narrative of the inequality within the school system as it relates to employment structure, economic irregularities, the transfer system and how it can be misused, and the topic of race inequality and the challenges that are currently present due to COVID19. And how to set the bar high when it comes to working with special needs children through inclusion, understanding, and believing. Children are the future and we must invest in all of them.

This week I speak with Entrepreneur Chris about his life growing up in Oklahoma City, OK. Chris talks to me about his thoughts on the Confederate flag, The 2nd Amendment, and how he became a victim of Oklahoma's private prison system. We also discuss how protesting won't see the same results on policy unless you have lobbyists with major financial support.

In this episode I discuss with Lupe a law enforcement officer about the art of policing and the internal conflict that arises being a person of color and her work in law enforcement. We discuss training, traffic stops, protests, riots, and relationships between police and the community. Lupe being a newer member of law enforcement may surprise you and leave you with hope and inspiration when it comes to breaking the barrier between communities and law enforcement.