Guest: Mahogany L. Browne - Award-winning writer, playwright, organizer, educator, Lincoln Center's inaugural poet in residence, and founder of the Woke Baby Book Fair

Episode Summary:

In this powerful conversation, Mahogany L. Browne shares her journey from a young mother who almost dropped out of college to becoming Lincoln Center's inaugural poet in residence. We explore how she learned to bet on herself when no one else would, the difference between naming problems and solving them, and why service doesn't have to be selfless to be meaningful. Mahogany discusses her acclaimed novel Chlorine Sky, the importance of creating spaces where marginalized voices can thrive, and how to turn opposition into rocket fuel for your dreams.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The universal experience of playing both victim and perpetrator in our relationships
• How poetry serves as a mirror but isn't therapy - and why both are needed
• The importance of choosing critics who want you to succeed
• Building sustainable service models that feed the giver too
• Creating spaces for voices that haven't been heard
• Turning rejection into motivation and opposition into opportunity
• The difference between naming injustice and taking action to change it

Guest Bio:

Mahogany L. Browne is an award-winning writer, playwright, organizer, and educator whose work spans poetry, young adult literature, and community building. She is the inaugural poet in residence at Lincoln Center and founder of the Woke Baby Book Fair, where she creates spaces for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated. Her books include the award-winning Chrome Valley, the frequently banned Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice, and her novel Chlorine Sky. She has been recognized for her unwavering commitment to lifting up other voices while refusing to play small in a world that often asks artists and activists to diminish themselves.

References mentioned in the interview:

• Mahogany's books Chlorine Sky, Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice, Chrome Valley
• The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison - the book that changed everything for young Mahogany
• Mahogany’s Substack

Lift Mahogany Up:

• Follow her on Substack for her latest thoughts and work
• Buy two copies of her books (gift one!) and start a book club discussion
• Attend or support the Woke Baby Book Fair
• Invite her for conversations and speaking engagements that matter
• Share her work with the truth-tellers in your life
• Create spaces in your own community where marginalized voices can be heard – be part of the ripple effect that says everyone deserves to play big

Nominated by: Desha Philyaw, who said: "She is one of one. She is genre bending,...

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

In 2006, Terry Grahl received a simple phone call asking if she'd volunteer to paint one wall at a women's shelter. What she discovered in that dormitory—30 women sleeping on prison-donated bunk beds held together with duct tape—changed the trajectory of her life forever. Today, Terry is the founder and CEO of Enchanted Makeovers, a national nonprofit that has transformed shelter spaces across the country for women and children escaping domestic violence and human trafficking.

In this powerful conversation, Terry shares how her own experience with childhood homelessness became the compass for serving "the girl within" every woman she meets. From cold-emailing mattress companies to getting doors slammed in her face at paint stores, Terry demonstrates exactly how to build something meaningful from nothing—using what she calls "putting the cart before the horse" and trusting that each next step will reveal itself.

You'll discover Terry's revolutionary "feeling-first" approach to creating change, why she calls the women she serves "warriors" instead of victims, and how a polka-dotted pillow became the divine signal that launched a movement. This is a masterclass in turning personal pain into purpose and proof that you don't need credentials, resources, or even a plan—you just need to say yes to what calls to your heart.

• How childhood homelessness shaped Terry's calling to serve others
• The moment a polka-dotted pillow changed everything
• Building a national nonprofit without money, volunteers, or experience
• Why focusing on feelings rather than logistics creates breakthrough results
• The power of "putting the cart before the horse" when starting something new
• How to turn rejection into motivation and keep moving forward
• Why authentic vulnerability opens more doors than perfect presentations
• The difference between helping victims vs. empowering warriors
• Creating sustainable impact through community and collaboration
• The importance of protecting your mission from partnerships that don't align

Terry Grahl is the founder and CEO of Enchanted Makeovers, a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming shelter spaces for women and children who have escaped domestic violence and human trafficking. What began as a simple request to paint one wall has grown into a movement that has renovated shelters across the country and created innovative programs like the Cape Program for children and Pillowcase Dreams initiative.

Terry's approach combines practical transformation with emotional healing, focusing on creating spaces where women can envision hope and children can remember their inner superpowers. Her work has been featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show and continues to expand nationally through a network of volunteers and donors who share her vision of serving "the girl within" every person who needs support.

Visit enchantedmakeovers.org to learn more about their programs and impact. Email Terry directly to share what you love to do—as she says, "You now have become a messenger for the mission." Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @enchantedmakeovers.

Whether you're a podcaster, writer, or simply someone who wants to serve from your unique talents, Terry invites you to join the "enchanted train" that's moving forward to create change.

• Website: enchantedmakeovers.org
• Facebook: @enchantedmakeovers
• Instagram: @enchantedmakeovers

The Uplifters Podcast is the 2023 Gold Signal Award Winner for Most Inspiring Podcast. Hosted by Aransas Savas, this show is dedicated to...

Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

Former Chief Girl Experience Executive at Girl Scouts USA and MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association)

Jennifer Allebach's life changed forever when her husband Brian was diagnosed with ALS in 2019. After 32 years of marriage and five children together, she became his primary caregiver while continuing to work full-time—first at Girl Scouts USA, then in a remarkable coincidence, at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which serves ALS families.

For four years, Jennifer navigated the devastating progression of ALS while managing Brian's care, from installing Hoyer lifts to redesigning garden paths for wheelchair accessibility. She shares the emotional weight of caregiving, the financial challenges not covered by insurance, and the difficult decisions families face when confronting terminal illness.

Now in what she calls "the toddlerhood of grief," Jennifer is channeling her hard-won wisdom into purpose—planning to create resources for other ALS families based on the practical insights she gathered throughout their journey.

• The reality of being a primary caregiver for someone with ALS
• How ALS differs from other terminal illnesses (taking the body but not the mind)
• The financial burden of caregiving not covered by insurance
• Making end-of-life decisions as a couple
• Maintaining family relationships during long-distance caregiving
• The coincidence of working at MDA while becoming an ALS family
• Finding purpose in grief through helping others
• The practical challenges of home accessibility and daily care

• Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) - Provides research funding, clinics, and support for families affected by ALS and other neuromuscular diseases
• Girl Scouts USA - Where Jennifer served as Chief Girl Experience Executive

Jennifer is currently developing resources for ALS caregivers based on her experience. While she doesn't have public social media for this mission yet, her story demonstrates the power of turning personal experience into support for others facing similar challenges.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It typically takes about a year to diagnose and is always terminal. Unlike other conditions, ALS affects voluntary muscles while leaving involuntary muscles (like the heart) and cognitive function intact, meaning patients remain fully aware throughout the disease's progression.

• ALS Association - alsa.org
• Muscular Dystrophy Association - mda.org
• ALS Therapy Development Institute - als.net

This episode touches on themes of terminal illness, grief, and caregiving. If you're facing similar challenges, please reach out to appropriate medical professionals and support organizations.

Next Episode:

Terry Grahl is the Founder and CEO of the national non profit, Enchanted Makeovers. The mission serves women and children living in shelters who have escaped domestic violence and human trafficking. Terry is also a children’s book author, speaker, and WARRIOR!

Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts.

In this powerful conversation, Aransas speaks with Deesha Philyaw, whose debut short story collection "The Secret Lives of Church Ladies" swept every major literary award, winning the PEN/Faulkner Award, The Story Prize, the LA Times Book Prize, and earning a National Book Award nomination.

Deesha shares her journey from rule-following church girl to award-winning author, revealing how losing her mother at 34 became a catalyst for refusing to spend her one precious life doing anything she didn't want to do. She opens up about navigating the complex relationship with her mother, who felt "intimidated" by her, and how writing fiction became her secret way of processing dissatisfaction with evangelical expectations.

This conversation dives deep into practical strategies for creative sustainability, including how to manage multiple projects without burnout, the power of "working alone together," and why Deesha believes writer's block and imposter syndrome are just surface layers hiding deeper truths. You'll also hear about her commitment to literary citizenship and breaking down barriers for BIPOC writers through mentorship and community building.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Connection

01:41

The Journey of Writing 'Church Ladies'

04:28

Mother-Daughter Dynamics and Personal Reflections

06:47

Expectations and Breaking Free

06:47

Navigating Personal and Societal Expectations

07:26

The Impact of Loss and Finding Purpose

09:14

The Writer's Path and Overcoming Challenges

11:27

Creating Community and Support in Writing

13:03

The Importance of Collaboration and Connection

15:48

Final Thoughts and Reflections

16:35

New Chapter

21:20

Balancing Life and Creativity

22:34

The Art of Multitasking

24:14

Navigating the Publishing Journey

25:04

Embracing the Uncontrollable

27:00

Managing Multiple Projects

28:43

Setting Realistic Expectations

29:50

The Power of Saying No

32:34

Finding What Truly Matters

35:15

Building Community and Supporting Others

44:06

Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4.mp4

"I just don't have time to not do the things I wanna do."

"When we stop at writer's block or imposter syndrome, we're not interrogating it... There's always something. But when you interrogate it and it's an actual thing that you can address either in therapy or in some other way, then it's a movable object."

"I don't want to spend the one life I get doing something I don't wanna do... And then why spend that time writing something that makes other people happy or is playing scared or is playing safe."

Deesha Philyaw is the author of "The Secret Lives of Church Ladies," winner of the 2021 PEN/Faulkner Award, The Story Prize, and the 2020/2021 LA Times Book Prize in Fiction, and finalist for the 2020 National Book Award for Fiction. She's also the co-author of "Co-Parenting 101: Helping Your Kids Thrive in Two Households After Divorce." Her writing on race, parenting, gender, and culture has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, McSweeney's, and elsewhere. She's a regular contributor to The Rumpus and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

• 
  
• Deesha Philyaw
• ’s Substack newsletter, which includes pre-orders for debut writers and indie bookstore support through Bookshop.org
• 
  
  Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe

summary

Former marketing executive Sarah Gomley shares how she transformed her life after discovering that all her achievements – the prestigious job titles, beautiful apartments, and impressive salaries – weren't bringing her joy. When she was laid off from Adobe just as her mother was dying, Sarah returned to Ohio and took a year off to reassess everything. Through therapy (which had started years earlier), caring for her mother, and confronting her perfectionism, she ultimately found genuine happiness running an art gallery in Columbus and falling in love with a kind man – a life she never would have imagined for herself. Sarah discusses how she learned to silence her inner critic (which she named after a childhood bully), the difference between happiness and joy, and why we should never dismiss our pain just because our lives look good on paper.

takeaways

• Letting go of societal expectations can lead to true happiness.
• Joy is a deeper, more fulfilling experience than mere satisfaction.
• The journey of transformation often begins with loss.
• Therapy can be a catalyst for understanding oneself better.
• Self-love is crucial for emotional well-being.
• Life's challenges can be easier to navigate with self-acceptance.
• It's okay to miss the financial security of a corporate job.
• Finding joy can be a lifelong pursuit.
• Change is possible at any stage of life.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction and Book Appreciation

02:19

Courage Capital and the Writing Process

04:59

The Journey to Joy and Self-Discovery

07:08

The Complexity of Joy vs. Satisfaction

09:07

Navigating Corporate Life and Personal Growth

11:42

The Impact of Loss and Transformation

13:43

Financial Realities and Career Choices

15:50

Mentorship and Community Connections

18:17

The Role of Therapy in Personal Change

20:56

Reflections on Life Changes and Identity

24:23

The Journey to Emotional Health

25:54

Managing Negative Self-Talk

28:24

Finding Joy Amidst Struggles

29:16

The Importance of Self-Compassion

31:29

Courage and Change

33:56

The Self-Publishing Experience

34:51

Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4.mp4

summary

In this episode of the Uplifters podcast, host Aransas Savas interviews her husband, Andy Savas, about his recent experience covering the papal conclave in Rome. Andy shares insights into the preparation, the excitement of the event, and the emotional moments of witnessing history as a new pope was elected. The conversation highlights the challenges of live reporting, the atmosphere in St. Peter's Square, and the personal reflections on being part of such a significant occasion.

takeaways

• Andy had no prior knowledge of the conclave process.
• The duration of the conclave is unpredictable.
• The atmosphere in St. Peter's Square was reverent and hushed.
• The first round of voting typically results in black smoke.
• The excitement peaked with the appearance of white smoke.
• Witnessing the election of a new pope is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• The cardinals had to build consensus quickly during the conclave.
• Andy felt a rush while reporting live from the event.
• The crowd's reaction was mixed when the new pope was revealed.
• Food experiences in Rome added to the adventure.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to the Conclave Adventure

01:50

The Call to Rome: Preparing for the Conclave

03:39

The Journey Begins: Travel to Rome

05:40

Meeting Cardinal Dolan: Insights Before the Conclave

07:29

The Voting Process: Understanding the Conclave Mechanics

10:27

The Anticipation Builds: Smoke Signals and Public Reaction

12:43

The First Night: Black Smoke and Its Implications

15:14

The Second Day: Quick Turnaround and New Developments

16:49

The Moment of Truth: White Smoke and the New Pope

17:29

The Electric Atmosphere of St. Peter's Square

18:24

Capturing the Moment: The Rush of Excitement

19:52

The Anticipation Builds: Who Will Be the New Pope?

21:13

The Revelation: An American Pope

22:24

Mixed Reactions: Joy and Disappointment

23:32

The Aftermath: Coverage and Reactions

25:35

Inside the Conclave: The Process of Election

28:02

Reflections on Tradition and Experience

29:41

Culinary Delights: A Taste of Italy

31:28

Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4.mp4

summary

In this conversation, Aransas Savas and Shannon Russell explore the transformative journey of women reinventing themselves, focusing on Shannon's transition from a successful television executive to an entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of mindset shifts, defining non-negotiables, and the role of research in building confidence. Shannon shares her insights on overcoming mental barriers, the significance of feeling good in one's career, and actionable steps for personal growth. The conversation emphasizes that change is possible and encourages listeners to take small steps towards their goals.

takeaways

• Shannon transitioned from a successful TV career to entrepreneurship.
• Hitting rock bottom can lead to transformative change.
• Defining non-negotiables is crucial for career satisfaction.
• Researching new opportunities builds confidence.
• Women often feel guilty for wanting more in life.
• Mindset shifts are essential for embracing change.
• Small steps can lead to significant career transitions.
• It's important to celebrate past achievements.
• Listening to inspiring stories can motivate change.
• You can always pivot and redefine your career path.

keywords

career transition, entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, women empowerment, personal growth, coaching, non-negotiables, overcoming barriers, self-reflection, actionable steps

Chapters

00:00

The Courage to Change: A Personal Journey

03:03

Finding Purpose in Transition

06:00

Defining Non-Negotiables for Success

08:53

Evolving Definitions of Purpose and Success

12:11

Overcoming Mental Barriers to Change

14:54

The Power of Research and Connection

18:12

Embracing the Unknown: Building Confidence in Change

23:19

Embracing Worthiness and Internal Conversations

25:02

Building Confidence Through Self-Discovery

26:56

Strategic Planning for Career Transitions

28:54

Balancing Personal Growth and Family Responsibilities

30:14

Maximizing Time for Personal Development

32:39

Creating Actionable Steps for Change

34:05

Reflecting on the Journey of Change

36:30

Facing Fears and Embracing New Opportunities

In this special tribute episode, host Aransas Savas honors her grandmother, Rosemary Baker, who recently passed away at age 95. Aransas shares the inspiring story of her grandmother's remarkable life and the valuable lessons she embodied about living fully at every age.

Chapters

00:00 Inspiration and Influences

02:54 Family Values and Homelife

06:25 Adventures and Aspirations

09:17 Facing Challenges with Resilience

19:24 Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4.mp4

20:00 Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4-Audio (1).mp3

1. The power of continuous creativity - never stop creating things you feel proud of
2. Commitment to movement - "If you never sit down, you never have to get up"
3. The importance of clear vision - be honest about what you want and work hard to achieve it
4. Embracing playfulness throughout life - becoming more childlike with age, not less
5. The restorative power of nurturing others
6. Being authentic - it's okay to have strong opinions and preferences

"Growing older isn't about letting go... it's about pushing boundaries and constantly looking for new adventures."

Aransas emphasizes that living and aging well is a community journey, encouraging listeners to show each other what's possible with a spirit of openness, possibility, curiosity, and play.

The episode concludes with an original song featuring lyrics about lifting others up written by Rosemary's Great-Granddaughter.

summary

In this heartfelt conversation, Angela shares her journey of navigating profound loss, leaving a high-demand religion, and embracing her creativity. Through her experiences, she discusses the importance of self-discovery, the complexities of grief, and the power of community. Angela emphasizes the significance of being present, allowing oneself to feel emotions, and the beauty of imperfection in art and life. The dialogue highlights the transformative nature of personal growth and the impact of authenticity in connecting with others.

takeaways

• Creativity can be a healing process.
• Loss can lead to new perspectives and purpose.
• Leaving a high-demand religion is a complex journey.
• Grief is a personal experience that can be shared.
• Selfishness in pursuing passion can be a positive force.
• Unlearning societal conditioning is essential for self-discovery.
• Exploration and curiosity can lead to personal growth.
• Imperfection in art reflects the beauty of life.
• Community can be built through shared experiences and creativity.
• Every small act of kindness can create a ripple effect.

Chapters

00:00

Stepping Outside Comfort Zones

00:51

New Chapter 2

01:11

Navigating Loss and Grief

01:25

New Chapter

02:08

Finding New Purpose and Joy

05:01

The Journey of Self-Discovery

07:43

Embracing Change and Connection

10:17

The Impact of Self-Validation

12:05

Understanding High-Demand Religions

13:35

Unlearning and Rebuilding Identity

17:02

Navigating Relational Needs and Self-Exploration

19:02

Embracing Curiosity and Overcoming Fear

21:34

The Power of Action Over Perfection

24:12

Lessons in Imperfection and Self-Compassion

25:09

Teaching Resilience and Self-Belief to the Next Generation

26:42

Creating Community Through Art and Kindness

32:56

Uplifters-YouTube-End-Off-White-v4.mp4

keywords

menopause, women's health, empowerment, community, self-discovery, education, entrepreneurship, resilience, awareness, support

summary

In this enlightening conversation, Aransas Savas and Julie Gordon White delve into the often-taboo subject of menopause, exploring its challenges and opportunities. They discuss the importance of breaking the silence surrounding menopause, the need for education and awareness, and the empowering aspects of this life stage. Julie shares her personal journey through menopause, the creation of her Menowell bar, and her passion for supporting women during this transition. The conversation emphasizes resilience, community support, and the potential for personal growth during this transformative time in women's lives.

takeaways

• Menopause is a powerful time for self-discovery and empowerment.
• Breaking the silence around menopause is crucial for future generations.
• Community support plays a vital role in navigating menopause.
• Understanding the symptoms of menopause can alleviate fear and shame.
• Women are often left without adequate education about menopause.
• The Menowell bar was created to address specific menopause-related needs.
• Entrepreneurship can stem from personal experiences and challenges.
• Courage is essential in both business and personal transitions.
• The conversation around menopause is evolving and becoming more mainstream.
• Leaving room for possibility can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Menopause and Empowerment

02:44

Building Connections and Community

04:19

Breaking the Silence on Menopause

05:45

Understanding Symptoms and Experiences

08:03

Researching Menopause: A Journey of Discovery

09:33

Finding Positivity in Challenges

11:24

Embracing Change and Resilience

13:03

The Role of Intuition and Support

15:52

Leaving Room for the Unexpected

16:32

The Power of Possibility

17:58

Creating the Menowell Bar

20:54

Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges

22:17

Understanding Menopause

25:05

Generational Perspectives on Menopause

27:28

Future of Menopause Conversations

30:05

Courage in Entrepreneurship

31:41

Embracing the Unknown

• Menowell Bars: MenoWell menobars are protein powered, high-fiber, low sugar, gluten-free, dairy-free, Vegan, Low Carb, Keto/Paleo friendly - and a perfect first food if you're intermittent fasting. They are also just really tasty! Check them out
• The M Factor film: A groundbreaking documentary released in 2024 that addresses the marginalized health crisis faced by millions of women during menopause. This first-of-its-kind film features experts like Dr. Sharon Malone and Dr. Lisa Mosconi, and is available on PBS and various streaming platforms. Watch on PBS
• Harvard research on midlife brain rewiring: Research indicates that the brain undergoes significant rewiring in midlife, particularly around the fifth decade of life, which can enhance creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. This "rewiring" results in neural networks becoming more integrated and connected, potentially explaining the shift from detail-oriented thinking to more big-picture wisdom. Read more at Big...
  
  Get full access to The Uplifters at www.theuplifterspodcast.com/subscribe