The Amalgamation with Bruce Reyes-Chow

Well, I had not originally planned on adding more episodes to The Amalgamation Podcast until it was fully ready to go. Sometimes, the world requires us to respond outside of our plans. So here's a little preview of what I will be doing in the Fall, to offer some ideas about those of you who are preaching on any given Sunday.

With the shooting and presumed assassination attempt of former President Trump, I think it would be irresponsible NOT to address this happening in worship tomorrow. I hope you have the courage and willingness to do so.

Here are some thoughts as you enter this space.

TRANSCRIPT

Have we paid attention to everything in the same manner? Certainly not, but that doesn't mean that one, necessarily, should deserve more or less humanity than the other. And the thing I would really focus on, though, tomorrow, is that violent rhetoric, when it escalates, what do we expect to happen? When we use this in, and this is across the board now, I will say, I think conservative folks tend to use it more and there's been violence on, on their side that is much more, I, I would think directed towards those who sit in a more progressive space. Huge generalizations. But at the same time, I've seen everybody kind of ramp up. And when, when do we ramp up? Some people would say, well, if you take the high road, if you decide to play by the rules or you decide to be, to dignify people, then they're not going to reciprocate that. Well, my compassion and love isn't given in a transactional manner. And so somebody seen that foolish, but I think that if I were to come back at somebody with the same level and tone and tactics that were emotionally, spiritually, politically violent, then this is what's going to happen. We've already seen it with Palestinians being attacked on the streets and in their homes, and killed because of who they are. We've seen, you know, economic violence. on, people who just simply wear a Palestinian flag. We certainly have seen, folks who have been antisemitic, they have been, anti-Islamic. There's all, all the things that happen. And at some point, we have to see humanity in one another enough that we don't, we don't exacerbate that, that we don't accelerate and, that we don't escalate violence in our words and actions.

Now that is not weak. That is not a weak position. That is a position I think of strength and of revolution because it goes against the way the world wants us to be. The world thrives on the economy of militarism and violence. And so the more we feed into that, the more that that part of humanity wins.

And I simply. We'll not let that happen. So as you step into the pulpit tomorrow, I don't think you have to feel like you need to calm people that you need to, make people feel good or bad about any particular thing. But I do think it's important for us to use that space in a way that helps people see the larger scheme of humanity.

And what about our current political situation benefits destruction and violence and evil, and how are we going to or not going to participate in that? Again, there is enough love and compassion to go around, and so we don't have to help evil and destruction win I pray for you all tomorrow that are stepping into that pulpit, let the spirit move, love your people, be transformed by your own words, and peace.

Be sure to SUBSCRIBE TO, RATE, and REVIEW The Amalgamation Podcast, wherever you put podcasts into your ears.

BUST THE ALGORITHMS by subscribing to my substack, The Amalgamation, my email list, The Communiqué, and my Youtube Channel.

We can also STAY CONNECTED on the socials via Instagram, Threads, and Facebook. I occasionally hang out on other platforms via @breyeschow on them all.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe

It seems only fitting to end on a nice round number with Episode 70 of BRC and Friends. Those who have been hanging out with me for the past decades have been through a few manifestations of this space, including its very beginning as a VodCast that began 10 years ago with my very first guest, Grace Ji-Sun Kim. [Watch Episode 1]

Special thanks to Co-Hosts, Laura Mariko Cheifetz, Micky ScotBey Jones, Jorge Perry Bautista, and Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks. Also, thanks to Merissa Magdael-Lauron, who composed and edited the intro and outro vibes!

If you are already subscribed to BRC & Friends, you need not do anything as I’ll use the same feed for the new podcast.

Thanks again and I’ll see you in Fall with Episode 1 of The Amalgamation Podcast with Bruce Reyes-Chow

BUST THE ALGORITHMS by subscribing to my substack, The Amalgamation, my email list, The Communiqué, and my Youtube Channel.

We can also STAY CONNECTED on the socials via Instagram, Threads, and Facebook. I occasionally hang out on other platforms via @breyeschow on them all.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe

A few weeks ago, we were connected with the Gaza Solidarity Network to get matched with someone in Gaza who is trying to raise funds to evacuate. This is obviously not the ideal solution (ceasefire and rebuilding are), and it is unfair that some families will get paired while others will not. Occupation and genocide are also not fair, so we do what we can.

From @GazaSolidarityNetwork

Our philosophy: We approach evacuation efforts from a mutual aid model of "solidarity not charity." Therefore, instead of painting certain Gazan families as perfect victims or exceptionally "worthy of saving," we seek to help as many Gazans as possible from a place of respect and joint-struggle. At the same time, we must balance the inherent contradictions that come with crowdsourcing within the attention economy of social media, which requires that Palestinians share intimate details of their lives and trauma to gain visibility via social media algorithms.This project seeks to connect as many individuals as possible with vetted campaigns so that we can all leverage our personal networks to support individual families while partaking in collective coordination with one another.Join us in the movement toward repairing humanity. Thank you for reading.

As of this posting, they have helped raise over $100,000, so if you want to be matched with a family, here is the form to fill out. Please keep in mind that this is completely run by volunteers (and I suspect young folks), so there is a huge backlog. They vet the GoFundMe so you can be assured that you support an actual family. *Sigh* Sucks that so many take advantage of these situations. We were matched with a family of nine, the Watfa, and are getting to know them via text/talk. We just posted our first video and would appreciate you sharing, giving, and following as you can!

Greetings from the RCP Family!

Like many of you, over the last six months, our family has wanted to do more to impact the lives of those experiencing genocide in Gaza. Thanks to the work of the Gaza Solidarity Network, we are now engaged in mutual aid campaign to help a family raise money to evacuate.

We have been matched with a family currently living in one of the camps in Gaza: Samah and her husband Ahmed and her father and mother and siblings: Muhammad, Youssef, Abdul Rahman, Hanaa, and Hadeel. We have contributed to the effort and will now help them raise the rest. While making refugees raise $5000 per person is not an ideal solution to what is happening in Gaza, this is what it takes to cross into Egypt and to safety.  Our family is getting to know them via talk and text and would like you to meet them now too.

Until we raise enough to bring them to safety, we will share glimpses of their lives, plead for your spare resources, and encourage you to do your part in calling for the safety, justice, and rebuilding of Palestinian lives and homes. As we have shared in our communications, “We hope to meet one day after the war” so please help this become more than a hope, but a reality. Please follow @samah_safi132 and @ahmedwatfa039 on Instagram, reshare and repost, and give as you are able. 

Sent with love, Bruce, Robin, Ev, Abby, and Analise

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe

In what seems like a lifetime ago, I posted this a few weeks back after my return from my second delegation to Palestine. Even with all of the most recent acts of terror inflicted upon the people of Gaza and the accelerated violence in the occupied West Bank, I am still left with the same question as I have been posing since last year, “What will it take to speak out and act up?”

This video is crossposted on Instagram and TikTok, so any resharing or reposting would be much appreciated.

Transcript

 As some of you know, I just returned from Palestine, my second trip this year. And once again, seeing how the Palestinian people are treated, it is heartbreakingly obvious that they live under oppressive occupation and a blatant apartheid state. If you have been silent up to now, I don't really know what more to say to convince you to act up and speak out in order to stop what the state of Israel with U. S. support is doing in Gaza and increasingly the West Bank.

* How many more violent images have to show up on your screen in order for you to act?

* How many more times do Palestinians need to put their trauma on display in order for them to be believed?

* How much disproportionate destruction must you witness before you can drop the narrative that this is a conflict between equals?

* How many times do you need to hear people like me before you will step out from behind the veil of complexity and privilege?

* How much of your money needs to be spent on war before you will demand your public servants do better?

* How many more futures will be extinguished before we collectively say enough is enough?

While some will judge you for your timing, it is not too late. While the road to peace and liberation will take generations, I believe this current onslaught only comes to an end if those of you who have been silent up until now finally choose to speak out. I hope you will. Peace.

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe

It’s actually this week (What is time?) but anyhoo, we are headed your way New York, and we cannot wait. It's been too long since we've visited your lovely city!

First things first: We already have show tickets, but help us fill out our week! Where should we eat, and what should we see?

But you are also invited . . .

SUNDAY, JUNE 2The Riverside Church (In person or Online)11:00 am Preaching 12:30 pm Booktalk & Signing 490 Riverside DriveNew York, NY

TUESDAY, JUNE 4 6:00 pm Conversation with Natalie PerkinsSponsored by Lafayette Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn & Greenlight Books85 South Oxford StreetFort Greene, Brooklyn, NYFREE TIX/RSVP ON EVENTBRITE

You can see the rest of my summer stops here

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe

On today's Episode of BRC and Friends, Bruce sits down with Sheila M. Beckford and E. Michelle Ledder Co-Authors of the 4Reals series, “Anti-Racism 4reals: Real Talk with Real Strategies in Real Time for Real Change” and “Doing Anti-Racist Business: Dislodging and Dismantling Racism with the 4reals”. Not only do we talk about how their process of moving organizations to be antiracist is different than the approach of DEI, but they also talk about their very funny origin story, parents dancing on TikTok, and so much more. They obviously had a great time, and you will too!

Thanks for being here. Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to the conversation with Sheila M. Beckford and E. Michelle Ledder.

JUST BUY THEIR BOOKS ALREADY

Doing Anti-Racist Business: Dislodging and Dismantling Racism with the 4reals

https://bookshop.org/a/82176/9780827206816

Anti-Racism 4reals: Real Talk with Real Strategies in Real Time for Real Change

https://bookshop.org/a/82176/9780827201026

CONNECT WITH SHEILA

Sheila on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sheila.beckford/

CONNECT WITH MICHELLE

Michelle on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/emichelleledder/

LISTEN TO BRC & FRIENDS

Listen to the full episodes of BRC & Friends here:

https://brc-friends.captivate.fm

Listen to BRC & Friends wherever you listen to Podcasts

https://brc-friends.captivate.fm/listen

CONNECT WITH BRC & FRIENDS

BRC & Friends Website

https://www.brcandfriends.com/

BRC & Friend on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/brcandfriends

Bruce Reyes-Chow, Host and Producer on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/breyeschow

Co-Host, Jorge Bautista on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/curious_xicano

Co-Host, Laura Mariko Cheifetz on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/lauramarikocheifetz

Co-Host, Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/kyremesparks

Co-Host, Micky Scottbey Jones on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/electric_lady_msj

Theme Music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron

https://www.instagram.com/merissa.cre8s

Recorded using Squadcast

https://squadcast.fm/?ref=brucereyeschow1

Edited using Descript

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe

On today's Episode of BRC and Friends, Bruce sits down with Alissa Charles-Findley, sister of Botham Jean and the author of the book, “After Botham: Healing from My Brother's Murder by a Police Officer.” Not only do they talk about the death of her brother and her work with other families who have lost loved ones to police violence, we talk about writing, parenting, and what keeps us whole in times of struggle.

Thanks for being here. Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Alissa Charles-Findley.

JUST BUY THE BOOK ALREADY

After Botham: Healing from My Brother's Murder by a Police Officer by Allisa Charles-Findley with Jeremiah Cobra.

https://bookshop.org/a/82176/9780827201132

CONNECT WITH ALISSA

Alissa on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/allisafindley

Alissa on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/allisafindley

LISTEN TO BRC & FRIENDS

Listen to the full episodes of BRC & Friends here:

https://brc-friends.captivate.fm

Listen to BRC & Friends wherever you listen to Podcasts

https://brc-friends.captivate.fm/listen

CONNECT WITH BRC & FRIENDS

BRC & Friends Website

https://www.brcandfriends.com/

BRC & Friend on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/brcandfriends

Bruce Reyes-Chow, Host and Producer on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/breyeschow

Co-Host, Jorge Bautista on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/curious_xicano

Co-Host, Laura Mariko Cheifetz on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/lauramarikocheifetz

Co-Host, Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/kyremesparks

Co-Host, Micky Scottbey Jones on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/electric_lady_msj

Theme Music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron

https://www.instagram.com/merissa.cre8s

Recorded using Squadcast

https://squadcast.fm/?ref=brucereyeschow1

Edited using Descript

https://www.descript.com/?lmref=X_JTDA

Hosted on Captivate

https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=brucereyeschow

For inquiries contact:

[email protected]

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe

On episode 66 of BRC and Friends, Bruce chats with Kathy Khang and Matt Mikalatos, Co-Authors of the award-winning book, “Loving Disagreement: Fighting for Community through the Fruit of the Spirit.” They had a great time talking about writing, disagreement in today’s world, church, gymtimidation, and a little bit of hot chicken.

Thanks for being here. Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Kathy Khang and Matt Mikalatos.

JUST BUY THE BOOK ALREADY

Loving Disagreement: Fighting for Community through the Fruit of the Spirit.

https://bookshop.org/a/82176/9781641586153

AND THEN LISTEN TO THEIR PODCAST

The Fascinating Podcast

http://www.norvillerogers.com/podcast/fascinating/

CONNECT WITH KATHY

Kathy’s Website

http://www.kathykhang.com/

Kathy on X

https://twitter.com/mskathykhang

Kathy on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/mskathykhang/

Kathy on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/kathykhangauthor/

CONNECT WITH MATT

Matt on X

http://twitter.com/mattmikalatos

Matt on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/MattMikalatos

Matt on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/mattmikalatosbooks

LISTEN TO BRC & FRIENDS

Listen to the full episodes of BRC & Friends here:

https://brc-friends.captivate.fm

Listen to BRC & Friends wherever you listen to Podcasts

https://brc-friends.captivate.fm/listen

CONNECT WITH BRC & FRIENDS

BRC & Friends Website

https://www.brcandfriends.com/

BRC & Friend on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/brcandfriends

Bruce Reyes-Chow, Host and Producer on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/breyeschow

Co-Host, Jorge Bautista on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/curious_xicano

Co-Host, Laura Mariko Cheifetz on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/lauramarikocheifetz

Co-Host, Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/kyremesparks

Co-Host, Micky Scottbey Jones on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/electric_lady_msj

Theme Music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe

On episode 66 of BRC and Friends, Bruce sits down with Anna Woofenden and Derrick Weston to talk about the, rumored on this show to be the best book ever written, The Just Kitchen Invitations to Sustainability, Cooking, Connection, and Celebration. Bruce has known Derrick for a very long time, sorry Anna, but also loves that Anna is also an Ennegram three. Yes, they talk about food, writing, and much much more. Bruce had a good time with two great people. 

Thanks for being here. Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with Derrick Weston and Anna Woofenden.

BUY THE BEST BOOK EVER!

The Just Kitchen: Invitations to Sustainability, Cooking, Connection, and Celebration

https://bookshop.org/a/82176/9781506484112

LISTEN TO THEIR PODCAST

https://foodandfaithpodcast.podbean.com/

CONNECT WITH ANNA

Anna’s Website

https://annawoofenden.com

Anna on Twitter

https://twitter.com/annawoof

Anna on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/revannawoof

Anna on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/revannawoof

CONNECT WITH DERRICK

Derrick’s Website

www.derricklweston.com

Derrick on Twitter

https://twitter.com/derricklweston

Anna on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/derricklweston/

LISTEN TO BRC & FRIENDS

Listen to the full episodes of BRC & Friends here:

https://brc-friends.captivate.fm

Listen to BRC & Friends wherever you listen to Podcasts

https://brc-friends.captivate.fm/listen

CONNECT WITH BRC & FRIENDS

BRC & Friends Website

https://www.brcandfriends.com/

BRC & Friend on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/brcandfriends

Bruce Reyes-Chow, Host and Producer on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/breyeschow

Co-Host, Jorge Bautista on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/curious_xicano

Co-Host, Laura Mariko Cheifetz on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/lauramarikocheifetz

Co-Host, Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/kyremesparks

Co-Host, Micky Scottbey Jones on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/electric_lady_msj

Theme Music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe

Today on Episode 65, Bruce chats with his friend and colleague David Lamott. In this episode they talk about David's new book, but also and more importantly about chickens, parenting, and how humbling it can be standing next to a rock star.  If this Is your first time meeting David be prepared to meet a genuinely good human being who is making a difference in the world and encouraging the rest of us to do the same. 

Please keep in mind that we recorded this way back in September, which, in world events years, is a lifetime. 

Thanks for being here! Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and enjoy listening to my conversation with David Lamotte.

CONNECT WITH DAVID

David’s Website

https://www.davidlamotte.com/

David on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/davidlamotte/

Latest Book (2023): You Are Changing the World Whether You Like It Or Not

https://www.davidlamotte.com/books/

Latest Album (2022), Still

https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/davidlamotte/still

Support him on Patreon

https://www.davidlamotte.com/patreon/

Look Away Video

https://youtu.be/JJLXVa0BHc4?si=K4ETOqR0TJ7GOtrG

LISTEN TO BRC & FRIENDS

Listen to the full episodes of BRC & Friends here:

https://brc-friends.captivate.fm

Listen to BRC & Friends wherever you listen to Podcasts

https://brc-friends.captivate.fm/listen

CONNECT WITH BRC & FRIENDS

BRC & Friends Website

https://www.brcandfriends.com/

BRC & Friend on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/brcandfriends

Bruce Reyes-Chow, Host and Producer on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/breyeschow

Co-Host, Jorge Bautista on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/curious_xicano

Co-Host, Laura Mariko Cheifetz on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/lauramarikocheifetz

Co-Host, Amy Kim Kyremes-Parks on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/kyremesparks

Co-Host, Micky Scottbey Jones on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/electric_lady_msj

Theme Music by Merissa Magdael-Lauron

https://www.instagram.com/merissa.cre8s

Recorded using Squadcast

https://squadcast.fm/?ref=brucereyeschow1

Edited using Descript

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theamalgamation.substack.com/subscribe