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What if the stories we tell could reshape our understanding of the world and our place within it? Award-winning children's book author Alyssa Reynoso-Morris joins us to discuss the transformative power of storytelling, particularly within Black, brown, and Afro-Latinx communities. Through her journey, we gain insights into the challenges faced by diverse voices in the publishing industry and how effectively reaching diverse audiences can create a more inclusive narrative landscape. Alyssa shares how her storytelling is inspired by her abuela, whose tales of joy, love, and resistance are a testament to the healing power of authentic narratives.

Storytelling isn't just a means of expression; it's a crucial tool for empowerment, education, and connection. Alyssa emphasizes the importance of cultural representation and personal storytelling, highlighting how these narratives shape our identities and connect us to our ancestors. We explore the role of creativity and entrepreneurship in passing down legacies through generations, underscoring how stories can inspire change and foster a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage. From fiction to nonfiction, we examine how stories convey profound truths and empower communities to challenge exclusionary narratives.

In an era where authoritarian influences loom large, the role of storytelling becomes even more vital. Through anecdotes and cultural lenses, like the significance of food and critical thinking, we discuss how storytelling helps maintain control over our narratives and fosters community pride. Alyssa's experiences demonstrate how children can be encouraged to take pride in their heritage and think critically about the world around them. Join us as we celebrate the joy and resilience of living with cultural pride, advocating for empathy, unity, and the importance of remembering and sharing our hidden histories.

How to connect with Alyssa and her resources:

Alyssa's Website: alyssaauthor.com

Resources to help you on your publishing journey

Books

• Platanos are Love is a picture book about how plantains shape Latinx culture, community, & family, told through a young girl’s experiences in the kitchen with her abuela.
• Los plátanos son amor (Spanish)
• The Bronx Is My Home is a LOVE letter to The Bronx! A picture book celebration of the history, landscape, cuisines, cultures, and activities unique to this vibrant community.
• Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book is a joyful story of growth that will help new students find their voice with themes around overcoming fears, love & immigration.
• Gloriana, presente. De República Dominicana al Bronx (Spanish)
• Bold, Brilliant and Latine Meet 52 Latine and Hispanic Heroes from Past and Present

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Join us as we explore the fascinating world of spirituality in the modern age, focusing on the concept of toxic spirituality and the rise of spiritual influencers. We examine how social media has led to a surge in spiritual influencers, many of whom may not always have the best intentions. Drawing from personal experiences, we discuss the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in spiritual leaders and highlight the potential dangers posed by unethical gurus exploiting those seeking guidance. This conversation also touches on the traditional role of religious institutions like the Catholic Church and contrasts it with the new wave of influencers claiming to have exclusive spiritual insights.

Our discussion continues as we address the realistic approach to spiritual influence, particularly on platforms like Instagram. We emphasize the importance of not idolizing these influencers, as they too are navigating their human journeys. Through insights from our research, we reveal how some listeners find certain influencers less relatable due to unattainable lifestyles. We critique the simplistic notion that positive thinking alone can solve life's challenges and instead promote the value of introspection and understanding one's feelings as crucial to personal growth and processing life's ups and downs.

Finally, we explore the delicate art of providing emotional support and the importance of setting boundaries. Whether it's understanding when to listen or when to offer advice, the conversation provides practical guidance on navigating these complex interactions. We delve into how balancing personal intuition with external ideologies is key to a fulfilling spiritual journey, advocating for a personalized approach that resonates with your unique path. Tune in to discover how embracing both the light and shadows of life can lead to true healing and empowerment.

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As we watched our mother, lost within the depths of dementia, respond with sheer joy to the beats of bachata and merengue, a profound truth unraveled before us: movement is a powerful healer. Our latest episode invites you to witness the transformative power of dance and movement, which transcends mere physical benefits. Through stories from our own lives, we highlight how reconnecting with ancestral rhythms can release stagnant energy and address unresolved emotional burdens. Movement, as we discuss, becomes a bridge to joy and healing, especially for those within the diaspora, where dance naturally offers solace and release.

The journey continues as we explore how intentional actions, like joyful movement and healthy eating, bolster our well-being. Small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in our physical and mental health. Sharing a family member's experience, we reveal how dancing led to unexpected benefits such as weight loss, reduced joint pain, and an uplifted mood, even amid the challenges of arthritis and dementia. We shed light on how movement offers a sense of purpose and connection, helping manage feelings of depression and anxiety, and providing a path to mental well-being.

With a touch of humor, we recount our adventures in an advanced African dance class, underscoring the importance of choosing activities that truly resonate with us. By reimagining exercise as an enjoyable endeavor, we unlock its potential to reduce tension and prevent chronic diseases. Whether it's the soothing flow of yoga or the gentle energy of Qigong, finding joy in movement is essential.

Asian Squat Somewhat explained

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Imagine a world where artificial intelligence serves as both a beacon of progress and a harbinger of ethical challenges. What if the very technology designed to streamline our lives also carried the potential to amplify societal discrepancies? Join us for an authentic conversation with Juliette Powell, a revered AI ethics and governance expert, as we unravel the profound influence AI exerts across industries and communities, especially those that are Black and Brown. Together, we explore Juliette's inspiring journey from a data scientist to a champion of inclusive tech advocacy, emphasizing the critical need for diverse conversations in shaping the future of AI.

Our conversation peels back the layers of AI's pervasive presence, from popular culture depictions to its unsettling role in military and surveillance operations. We scrutinize AI tools intended for law enforcement and predictive algorithms that, while designed for security, raise significant privacy concerns. These thought-provoking questions of morality, privacy, and cultural nuances surface as we dissect the complexities of AI's rapid evolution, highlighted by experiments like the Moral Machine. This episode serves as a call to action, raising awareness and underscoring the responsibility we all share in navigating the digital landscape thoughtfully and ethically.

As we turn our focus to healthcare, we celebrate AI's transformative potential in enhancing diagnostics and patient outcomes, while acknowledging the pressing risks of bias and lack of diversity in its development. The dialogue extends to balancing technological progress with personal privacy, advocating for critical thinking and intentional interactions with AI. By promoting awareness and education, our aim is to prepare ourselves and future generations—especially first-generation Americans—for an AI-driven world, ensuring these advancements truly benefit all. Join us for this elevated conversation that delves into the heart of AI's impact on society, urging a mindful approach to innovation.

Find Juliette @:

www.juliettepowell.com

Linkedin

Book: The AI Dilemma

*Affiliate links earn a commission from qualifying purchases which helps support our show at no additional cost to you.*

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Growing up, our father filled our lives with adventure, whisking us off to places like Cape Cod and the Dominican Republic, instilling a wanderlust that never faded. As we recount these early experiences, we're thrilled to welcome Marie from the Culture Cult podcast for an authentic conversation about how travel shapes identity, fuels self-discovery journeys, and deepens our connection to culture.

Balancing the thrill of adventure with the need for relaxation can be tricky. We contrast different travel approaches—from leisurely long stays in Santorini to fast-paced sightseeing—while raising awareness about the importance of travel as a tool for healing. We share mindset and motivation strategies for making the most of vacation time, and embracing the transformative power of cultural immersion.

The journey doesn't stop there. We dive into essential travel tips for solo adventurers and those exploring with companions, offering budget-friendly lodging alternatives and personal safety strategies. From dream destinations like the Northern Lights in Alaska to spiritual moments in Tanzania, we reflect on how these experiences elevate voices in Black and Brown communities, and promote cultural empowerment.

Join us as we celebrate the beauty of diverse conversations, familiar voices, and the power of storytelling in raising awareness and breaking cycles. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just beginning your journey, this episode is packed with uplifting insights that will leave you inspired to explore the world—and yourself—more deeply.

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I always thought my identity was tied to the roles life handed me—a daughter, a mother, a friend. But what happens when the attachments that once shaped us begin to restrict our growth? In our latest episode, we embark on a heartfelt exploration of generational healing, breaking cycles, and the role of attachments in self-discovery journeys.

From navigating the cultural identity clashes of staying with family beyond 18 to the comfort and challenges of familiar relationships, we share personal stories from the Dominican community, Latino community, and Caribbean perspectives that highlight how these attachments can sometimes hold us back from what truly serves us. We reflect on the courage it takes to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown—a journey that is both daunting and liberating.

Our conversation also touches on the profound impact of attachments on self-identity. Being the eldest sibling in a first-generation American household can lead to people-pleasing tendencies, and career ties often dictate self-worth. Personal anecdotes reveal the struggle of losing oneself in roles such as a parent or spouse, emphasizing the need for balance between personal needs and these identities. We also delve into the emotional weight of losing a parent, underscoring the necessity of reassessing attachments to ensure they contribute positively to our lives. These thought-provoking discussions highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy balance to nurture one’s personal and cultural journey.

As the episode unfolds, we explore spiritual growth and the shift from religious structures to a more personal, freeing connection with a higher power. While institutions like Catholicism offer community and identity, they can also impose constraints that stifle personal expansion. We candidly discuss our decisions to detach from these structures, choosing instead a direct, personal relationship with spirituality. Letting go of rigid expectations in relationships, careers, and belief systems can open new opportunities for mindset and motivation, cultural empowerment, and clarity.

Join us in this uplifting, provocative, and elevated conversation, where we challenge old narratives, raise awareness, and redefine attachments. If you're ready to navigate two cultures, embrace authentic conversations, and step into your highest self, this episode is for you. Tune in to familiar voices, elevate your frequency, and take the next step in your personal growth.

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Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of the significant impact social media and big tech have on our youth, as we welcome back Mark Hurst from the Techtonic Radio Show. Listen in as we unravel the urgent concerns raised by experts like the US Surgeon General and NYU Professor Jonathan Haidt about the alarming rise in mood disorders, anxiety, and depression among adolescents linked to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. We emphasize the importance of recognizing the documented harms of these technologies and discuss our responsibility as adults to create safer environments for young minds. With Mark's insights, we highlight the need for awareness and proactive measures to protect our children from these pervasive influences.

Discover the transformative journey of young members of the Luddite Club, who have chosen to disconnect from exploitative technology and embrace real-life activities like reading, sewing, and art. We explore how stepping away from social media opens up time for more fulfilling hobbies and face-to-face interactions, while also examining the business models of major platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. With a focus on understanding how these companies profit from targeting young users, we discuss the impact on privacy and the significant usage of these platforms by teenagers. Join us as we shed light on the importance of balancing technology use in today's society and the role of community-driven initiatives in fostering resilience against big tech.

In this episode, we tackle the pressing issue of government inaction in regulating tech giants and the consequences for young people. We express skepticism about meaningful intervention, given the overwhelming influence of trillion-dollar companies, and highlight the power of grassroots action in resisting their pervasive reach. Drawing inspiration from the Luddite Club, we underscore the importance of collective action and community conversations in shaping a more mindful future. Additionally, we share practical strategies for parents to minimize the role of technology in children's lives, from implementing parental controls to promoting healthier tech habits. Join us as we empower individuals to take a stand and protect our youth, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with us to create a safer, more conscious environment for future generations.

Find Mark @:
Podcast: Techtonic on WFMU with Mark Hurst
Creative Good email newsletter—Join thousands of subscribers for Mark's reflections on technology and how it's affecting us (it's free).

Additional Resources:
Fareedah S. Shaheed - Internet Safety Expert Protecting Kids Online

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What if you could navigate life's challenges with a personalized roadmap tailored just for you? That's the promise of the Human Design System, a fascinating blend of science and spirituality that both Nachi and I have embraced. Our lively chat uncovers how Human Design offers a practical alternative to astrology, making it accessible for anyone looking to align with their true nature. As we share our personal stories and insights, we aim to inspire you to explore your own Human Design type and recognize patterns that might be holding you back. Whether you're a Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, Manifestor, or the rare Reflector, there's something here to help you live more authentically.

Through humorous anecdotes and genuine reflections, we dive into the foundational elements of Human Design. From the independent spirit of Manifestors to the dynamic energy of Manifesting Generators, we explore how each type brings their unique flair to life. I recount my own experiences as a Manifestor, emphasizing the importance of informing others to build trust, while Nachi chimes in with their perspective as a Manifesting Generator. We also touch on the crucial role of energy centers and how they can guide decision-making, using personal stories to illustrate the potential pitfalls of acting without alignment. Our discussion isn't just theoretical; it's rooted in real-life applications, encouraging listeners to pause and consider if their path truly resonates with their energy and intuition.

Reflecting on the impact of environment and the solar plexus chakra, we highlight how intentional decision-making can lead to greater peace, satisfaction, and success. As we continue to navigate this path of self-discovery, we invite you to focus on your divine purpose and elevate your frequency, all while staying true to your unique design.

Resources
Sites:
jovianarchive.com
human.design

Book:
Human Design: The Definitive Book of Human Design, The Science of Differentiation by Ra Uru Hu

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