Accountability, safe space for expression and community building are core practices to Restorative Justice outlined by our guest Catherine Bargen. We had an insightful conversation about her life experiences, furthering her education in Conflict Resolution Studies and Psychology to a career starting a business in Restorative Justice with her two peers called Just Outcomes Consulting (www.justoutcomesconsulting.com). Catherine illustrated creating socio-political shifts, moving away from harmful practices and facilitating “mountain top experiences'' by increasing conversation and ultimately asking, “what are the needs, and who is responsible for meeting those needs?.” We are excited to share with you what we have learnt in this episode and translate this into our mission at Cultures United, centering relationships in our actions, welcoming open-hearted conversations and continuing a culture of respect, acceptance and resilience.

At Cultures United, Joe Cotton acts as the Mission and Service Coach, though also hold the role of Catholic Chaplain, Life Coach, and Pastoral Care and Outreach Director. He is a multi-talented and impassioned individual who, in this Episode, shared his past experiences with work and his personal journey of how spirituality and connection have promoted well-being in his life and how he spreads this to others. We discuss the importance of being present and authentic in conversations, leaving judgment outside, and befriending wounds. Joe illustrates how he builds a safe space in both his personal and professional life and practices empathy so he can hold the burden with the people he talks to. Ultimately, in all roles, he emphasizes the importance of listening and creating a process to help people recognize their capabilities, goals, and available resources, to build a life that embraces an individual’s character is true to them.

Often it is hard to relate or connect politics to our own lives and really take charge or get involved when it is personal. Council-member Dave Upthegrove (@CMUpthegrove; https://www.daveupthegrove.com/) came onto the podcast with a vulnerability and strength that illustrated the political realm as a powerful medium to foster change and deeply impact the community. He jumped into political heart-first with a passion for justice and a keen eye for social needs, while staying true to his individuality. Dave Upthegrove had us talking about the application of academics in alignment with character, making his mark in the world through his knowledge and experiential insight. We are wholly grateful for the presence and honesty he has brought both in this episode and in his service of King County.

Phones, payments, professionalism, and philanthropy, technology is at the core of many of our lives today. We were lucky to be joined by Joe Molina (@joemoemoney88) and David Pierce (@thedahv) to discuss the work and culture in the Tech Industry. An individual is always part of a greater team in the workplace so we covered working together to maintain clarity and a collaborative spirit when moving to achieve goals. Additionally, connecting to consumers and data to develop products that will fit their needs and that of society as a whole. David covered the concept of “failing forward” where mistakes are an essential part of progress and coming together to find a method of solution or further innovation. This episode is thoughtful, informative and deeply personal to both the guest and us, please let us know how tech connects to your life and how you will use it for personal and/or professional growth!

This week’s episode brings passion, facts, and art to the Environmental movement. We are joined by Lukene Sotomayor (@lukenesotomayor, https://www.lukenesotomayor.com/) and Momo Rutkin (@morutkin) to talk about climate change and actions that support environmental awareness and well-being. Looking outside of the box and thinking forward Momo and Lukene shared their hopes for the future and initiatives they are taking right now to make a difference. Talking environment, empathy, and awareness we, as a community can push towards a healthier collective and planet.

In previous seasons we have touched on the diversity of America and the manifestation of various cultures, traditions, and identities. In this episode, Ashwin Chidambaram (@achidam4) and Jon Rivera (@j0nrivera) join us to talk about their experiences growing up in a multicultural environment. Similarities and differences present both benefits and challenges as appearance, language, and cultures can influence how American residents experience their community. We connected over the influence of positive and negative stereotypes and living in american values while navigating their family’s and their own.

An exciting start to our 4th season of The Cultures United Podcast we welcome Kayla Blau and Ale Villa as guests to discuss identity, assimilation, and the process of integration. Both Kayla and Ale reflect on their positions as individuals with immigrant heritage and share insights on the cultural legacy and connection that they feel external from America. This episode explores authentic self-creation alongside recognition of past and heritage, enjoy and let us know how you feel about this topic!

At the core, our podcast is looking to foster conversations and connections in the community. This week we were very lucky to be joined by Adanna (@adannannenne) to take a critical look at the current educational system, the articulation of American History and the concept of race and experiences within it. Adanna works as an Equity and Family Engagement Facilitator and she shared with us ways that equity can be built, understood and we discussed the application of Critical Race Theory. She brought incredible insight, passion and practices to our episode this week and we are excited for you all to connect, apply and engage in this conversation!

This episode was a privilege to record, looking back on the mission of Cultures United and what union of values, cultures and citizenship really means. We were joined by Amrita Shergill (@amyshergill20), recent Bio-Psych Graduate and currently working in Canada; Ale Villa (@ale_tamalee), an Immigration Casework & Outreach Director at US Government; and Luis Garcia (@calaveracollectivetacoma), the Co-Founder of Tacoma Migrant Justice Program; and Calavera Collective. Throughout this episode we heard from our guests on their experience of immigration, challenges that they faced and the richness that immigrants bring. The power of speaking and being heard as well as sharing narrative was a large contributor to fostering connections amongst newcomers and people in the community. What is North America without immigrants? Whom are not only foundational, but essential to the growth, diversity and innovation in the nation. Ale brought in the need for comprehensive immigration reform, Amy the importance to follow your dreams no matter the challenges and Luis value in celebration of culture in self-expression and identity. This episode brought a lot of insight and learning to not remain silent, but to speak up and build trust to build community, unity and empower all members of the nation.

On Wednesday we were fortunate to have Chief Ted Boe join us to talk about policing, the politics of the practice and humanity within each of us, regardless of our personal professional roles. Joining us as well were youth guests Fatima, Nowali and Cristian, who enriched the conversation with their experiences, interpretations and expectations of the Policing agents. Our discussion rounded out the role of police officers society and their relationships to community members. How this has been approached in the past, and potentials for the future. We looked at the case of  Derek Chouvin and George Floyd, in addition to the meaning of symbolic and lived justice. It is clear that justice and equity is a process of constant learning, re-assessment and respect that we, as a community and country should be working on together, informing each other of contextual, communal and social needs. Tune in to follow the discussion and contribute via our social media @theculturesunitedpodcast, your voice has an impact!