The UnlearnT Podcast

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Our guest, Paul Zolman, has an inspiring story about unlearning a life of anger and adopting the practice of love. Born into an anger-driven environment, Paul embarked on a transformative journey to break free from this cycle, and his reimagining of the Five Love Languages (originated by Dr. Gary Chapman) as a tool for doing so forms the crux of our fascinating conversation. 

This episode aims to expose you to the real essence of love and how to practice it daily. We journey through concepts of unconditional and fraternal affection and discuss the importance of expressing love without attachments. 

Our unlearning journey wraps up with a look at the spectrum of anger and its language, and how a genuine understanding of these can lead to more authentic choices. We also explore the role of generational traditions and the importance of self-reflection in unlearning these habits that may unconsciously influence our behavior. 

This episode is an invitation to evaluate your personal relationships and perhaps begin your own journey of unlearning to cultivate healthier connections. So, are you ready to roll the dice and join us in practicing love?

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Ever wonder how politics directly impacts your community? Or how an ordinary citizen can create meaningful change? Today, we untangle these complexities with Cardell Orrin, Executive Director of Stand for Children. Cardell's fascinating transition from a non-voter to the founder of a Political Action Committee (PAC) is a tale that exemplifies the significance of grassroots leadership. 

As we journey through Cardell's experiences, we delve into the daunting world of politics and power dynamics. We explore how historical factors impacting governance and inequality maintain the status quo in certain cities. From the intricacies of black leadership to the impact of investments on suburbs, we discuss how decisions made by those in power have led to self-fulfilling prophecies. As our conversation expands, we grapple with systemic issues such as bail reform, restorative justice, and the presumption of innocence. 

Finally, we dig deep into the nature of power and leadership. Cardell shares valuable insights on the necessity of risking and living in discomfort to bring about change. We also discuss the vital role of local government and the potential repercussions of short-sighted leadership. By making local issues personally impactful and inspiring citizens to engage, Cardell's story is a compelling reminder of the potential in each of us to effect significant change in our communities.

 Strap in for an episode that is bound to challenge your perceptions of politics, power, and the potential for community transformation.

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Ever pondered the complex world of local politics? This riveting episode offers a rare opportunity to engage with our esteemed guest, Robert Hill. Memphis' political landscape has undergone significant transformations, particularly with a demographic shift following the white flight of the 1950s and 1960s. Hill and I dissect this seismic shift, its effect on the quality of elected officials, and its implications on the city's intellectual capacity. We also critically analyze the economic disparities in Memphis, their historical context, and their deep-seated impact on race and politics. 

In the final part of our discussion, we scrutinize the intricate connection between education, poverty, and family structure. With a spotlight on the significance of higher education and job training in shaping a metropolitan city, we broach the subject of self-imposed poverty and its roots in lack of opportunity access. Wrapping up the episode, we delve into the urgent need for change in the black community, touching on disparities in food options, the black church's role in economic inequality, and the pressing need for investment in generational wealth. This conversation with Robert Hill is not just a podcast episode, but a deep exploration of local politics and a call to action for change.

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Ever felt disillusioned by the idea that your single vote doesn't make a difference? Let's debunk that myth together as we tread into the world of voting, underlining why your vote indeed matters. Our vibrant guest, Ayanna Watkins, Executive Director of Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action Hope (MICAH),  exposes the real power of voting, throwing light on the gravity of each vote and how it can tip the scales in an election. She also unpacks the importance of staying politically active post-election season and the significant understanding that elected officials work for us.
 
As we progress, we tune into the rhythm of organizing - a concept that is at play in every sphere, from neighborhood block clubs to national organizations. Ayanna shares her insights into how organizing can create a dynamic collective and the difference it can make in the public arena. 

Finally, we focus on the potential of community and advocacy. We challenge you to recognize your own power and take responsibility for igniting change. 

Join us in this invigorating conversation and let's all strive to understand and engage with the world of politics better.

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In this episode creator the UnlearnT Podcast, Ruth Abigail (aka RA) talks about unlearning fear and she brought a friend to help her do it. She doesn’t love talking about herself, but we got her to do it this time! 

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Ever wondered about the intricacies of school board politics and the drama it entails? Strap in for a captivating conversation with our guest, Kristina Garner, a seasoned political figure and former executive director for the Republican party of Shelby County in Tennessee. Christina’s journey into the political arena is as insightful as it is unexpected, revealing the fiery zeal that fuels decisions affecting our daily lives. 

Our conversation spans a range of thought-provoking topics, from the unexpected significance of alphabetical order on ballots to the impact of media manipulation on public sentiment. Kristina guides us through these complexities with tales of peculiar campaign themes, such as students using litter boxes, and heated debates on Critical Race Theory. We venture into history, observing how fear and anger have been exploited in media narratives even during events such as the Spanish Flu epidemic and President Woodrow Wilson's tenure.

As we delve deeper, we explore the repercussions of political extremism and the perils of information overload. Kristina’s anecdotes underscore the importance of maintaining balance and reasonableness in the face of these challenges. But she also offers hope, encouraging listeners to unlearn political biases, understand voting patterns, and take measured action. Whether you're an avid political enthusiast or a curious listener eager to make sense of the political landscape, this episode offers you a chance to understand, engage, and navigate the political sphere. Be prepared for a profound journey into the world of politics, all from the unique perspective of a seasoned campaigner.

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Have you ever found yourself giving disclaimers to avoid judgment from others? As my voice becomes more public through the podcast, I've realized that by constantly fearing judgment, I'm giving people power they don't deserve and can't handle.

Join me as I reflect on the only one who has final say over our lives - our creator, God - and how we should stop giving judgmental power to others. By recognizing this, we can unburden ourselves from the responsibility of making final calls in others' lives and focus on living free!

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Ever crashed and burned in a video game, only to restart from the last checkpoint? Imagine if we applied the same concept to our lives. 
This episode is a lesson in resilience, urging us to keep going even when we feel defeated. We discuss how failures and mistakes are not the end, but rather opportunities for learning and growth as we continue our journey. Drawing from the notion of 'starting over', we share a recent unlearning experience that made us understand life better. 

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Its Freedom Friday... And bubbles don't bring freedom! In this thought-provoking episode, we critique the often overlooked dangers of too much immersion in religious circles. Despite their sanctity, these bubbles can obscure personal growth, lure us away from our true selves, and even prompt a deceitful cover up of our flaws. Let's break free from this trap together, question our beliefs, and explore the liberating power of a discourse steeped in diversity and acceptance. 

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We're  tackling the idea of being 'overcommitted'. You know, the constant hustle that leaves you feeling drained, yet you believe it makes you look successful? Let's debunk that myth, together.  We'll explore the difference between being a multitasker and being overcommitted, and we'll share some reflective questions that can help you identify if you're burning the candle at both ends. Tune in for this challenging journey of unlearning and start adding more value to your life, and those around you.

Also, we're launching our new series - Unlearning Politics. This exploration is set to bring down the walls of your preconceived notions about the political world and your place in it. We are certain you'll discover the substantial influence you can hold. Plus, we're thrilled to have incredible guests lined up, ready to share their insights and experiences to help you unlearn with us.