I welcome my dear friend Natalia Anciso to discuss her journey as an artist and how she's reclaiming healing and joy.

Natalia Anciso is a Chicana-Tejana visual artist, educator, and Rio Grande Valley native. She earned her BA in Studio Art from the University of Texas at Austin, her MFA from the California College of the Arts, and her MA in Education from the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Education. She has exhibited her work throughout the United States and internationally, including the San Jose Museum of Art, the Oakland Museum of California, and the National Museum of Mexican Art.  Her work focuses primarily around Identity, as well as human rights, race, class and education. Arts integration and social justice are paramount to her work as an urban educator.  Her contributions as an artist have been acknowledged by The Huffington Post, Latina Magazine, Elle Magazine, and TVyNovelas, as well as by former United States Secretary of Education, John King, Jr. She is based in the San Francisco Bay Area

I share a conversation with my best friend of a decade, Lakiesha Thomas. We discuss the healing power of house music and dance classes and also preview an upcoming shared project.

I am reunited with my longtime friend, artist and creative director Ruben Mancias. As we did in our younger days, we engage in a conversation about spiritual journeys and finding strength in the face of life's challenges.

Ruben Mancias has been an artist his entire life, studying as a fine arts major in high school then discovering his innate musical talents that led to a 25+ year career as a global DJ, music producer, event producer and songwriter in the music and nightlife industry.

Now based in NYC, he works as an Executive Creative Director in the experiential event industry bringing his wide range of creative talents to globally recognized brands to create award winning events, while traveling to DJ and work on music when he has time in his hectic schedule.
Ruben has worked with Lollapalooza, Coachella, Maxim Magazine, Vogue, Victoria Secret, Details, Paper Mag, SXSW, Sundance, Tribeca Film Festival, SOBE Wine and Food Fest, New York & Miami Fashion Weeks, Vidcon and Dreamforce.
His client roster includes Hyundai, Amazon Ads, Jaguar, HBO, Oxygen Network, Salesforce, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, and other global companies.

This solocast features a book review of Katherine May's Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. I also reflect on the impact of the genocide in Palestine along with other global losses contributing to our collective grief.

Consider getting your copy of the book at your public library, your favorite independent bookstore, or through our Bookshop link:

https://bookshop.org/wishlists/1a7bf1fae498aab8ec870d1f822ad53f2c0cd940

I had the privilege of being in conversation with my dear friend and dance sister Leah Ferrer. In honor of her celebration of life and her 50th birthday, I share this experience and her insights.

Our first guest of Season 4 is my dear friend of a decade, Tameir Powell. She is my sister in joy, whimsy, and dance.

Tameir, in her own words: An Introverted extrovert always in the process of learning more about myself and the world around me, cultivating joy under the cherry moon. I strive to be and to reflect the love that has been shown to me.

"The Love We Make," Prince:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXX3xmiQ1s0

https://open.spotify.com/album/7iikVlTD1TjzDhOJWgUdsc

I discuss the theme of Season 4 and its timing in my life. I also preview conversation topics my guests and I will be discussing this season and my hopes for what listeners may gain.

I was fortunate to record this bonus episode for Season 3 with longtime friend and colleague Ignacio Ferrey.

Ignacio Ferrey is a husband, son, daddy/papi and advocate committed to eliminating health and educational disparities as they impact communities of color. His “fatherhood journey” started with the birth of his first child in 2001, and often reflects on how his family and career have grown up together. Ignacio has 20+ years of experience in health, education, leadership development, as well as father and family services throughout California. Ignacio is a Certified Professional Coach (co-creator, Water & Fire Coaching) and works with Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, with a focus on school health partnerships and expanding fatherhood services. Before joining Alameda County, Ignacio expanded fatherhood services and teen programs at a family service agency and before that, eight years overseeing program and strategic planning at a Federally Qualified Health Center. As a first-generation student, Ignacio has earned a BA in Sociology from San José State University, a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Latin American Studies from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).  He is an active member in the following: Alameda County Fathers Corps, National Compadres Network, Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity and International Coach Federation and on the Board of Dads Evoking Change and African-American Latino Action Alliance. Ignacio is married to his lifelong partner, Laura, and enjoys outdoor music festivals, barbecuing, cultural events, traveling and creating experiences for family and friends.

"Weathering Storms", the 4th season of The Contemplative Corazon, will explore the quest for peace in the face of life's challenges. Listen to conversations with guests as we discuss how we protect, nurture, and heal our corazones. Coming Winter 2023

Recently, I experienced a spiritual retreat/nature day while spending time in Santa Clara. I share reflections from that special day. I also thank our Season 3 guests and announce our fall hiatus. The Season 4 trailer is coming soon. The podcast will return in November.

To learn more about Our Lady of Peace in Santa Clara:

https://www.olop-shrine.org/about-us/shrine-to-immaculate-heart-of-mary/