Gary Price is a librarian, writer, consultant, and frequent conference speaker based in the Washington D.C. metro area. He is the co-founder and editor of Library Journal’s infoDOCKET. He is a nationally-known leader in the world of libraries, research and information science. What he really wants to talk about, though, is his experience being the father of an autistic child, his son, Matthew. We had an informative and moving conversation about autism and its effects, the trials and tribulations of finding the right services for a child with special needs, and, of course, the challenges and profound joys of simply being Matthew’s dad.

Dr Emmanuel Joshua Stokes—E.J.—wants to spread Beloved Community everywhere he goes. In this deep, meaningful and joyful conversation we discuss how to build beloved community, how to lift up those who bring light to our lives—the life lanterns as EJ calls them—and how EJ has promoted all of this through his work as the Director of Bera College’s amazing Black Music Ensemble. EJ discusses the impact that bell hooks had on his work and his thinking and how the intentional creation of beloved community is his, and hopefully everyone’s, life’s work.

Katie Startzman is the founder and owner of Native Bagel and Night Jar, two very successful eateries in Berea KY. She went from operating a food cart to running an amazing brick and mortar restaurant in spectacular fashion She is a member of the Berea City Council and a Business Coach with the Kentucky Small Business Development Center. She is also the author of the Knitted Slipper Book, an everything-you-need-to-know guide to making this exciting variation on the sock. But what she really wants to talk about is gardening and the magic of public gardens. We discuss the perennial movement, the transformative power of beautiful public green spaces, and we even begin to plan a garden tour of England.

Bill Littlefield is a retired radio host, writer, teacher, and public speaker.

He has written nine books, seven of which have been published. For 34 years he wrote and voiced commentaries for WBUR in Boston and NPR; for 25 of those years, he also hosted “Only A Game,” NPR’s fantastic weekly sports magazine program. Bill is also involved with the Emerson Prison Initiative, a program that makes a college education more accessible to people who are incarcerated.

In this episode we talk about Mercy, his second novel. In his graceful prose, Bill explores the multifaceted nature of mercy, forgiveness, and human connection, set in a suburban neighborhood grappling with the release of a dying mob boss from prison. We catch glimpses into lives of these neighbors seeking connection and working to to give mercy, especially the powerful kind we give to ourselves.

Cam McWhirter is a reporter for the Wall Street Journal, and the co-author of American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15. He feels strongly that we all need to know more about James Weldon Johnson. Johnson was a civil rights leader, lawyer, diplomat, writer and musician in the early 20th century. He was at the forefront of the Harlem Renaissance, and served as the first Black Executive Secretary of of the NAACP. He is perhaps best remembered for writing the lyrics to Lift Every Voice and Sing, often referred to as the Black National Anthem.

We discuss Johnson's life and achievements and even hear Johnson's own voice from an old recording of his poem,We To America.

Eric is the founder and Partner of AL Media a political consulting and media company that has managed campaigns and produced effective political ads and media for presidential campaigns, senatorial campaigns, congressional campaigns, gubernatorial campaigns and issue-related efforts all over the country. for 30 years. His firm has worked with Vice President Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, Senator Rafael Warnock, Governor Katie Hobbs, and Mayor Michelle Woo among MANY others. So of course, he wants to talk about his lifelong and painful obsession with the Cleveland Browns one of only our teams to have never playted in the Super Bowl.

Reverend Kent Gilbert is an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ and since 1997 has served as pastor and teacher to Union Church in Berea, Kentucky. Kent has never been much of a sports fan, but having traveled to Japan multiple times, he has developed a passion for Sumo Wrestling. We discuss the rules, the strategy and the cultural significance of this fascinating and ancient sport that has been continuously practiced for more than 1,500 years. We discover that there is a lot more to it than just two very large men crashing into each other.

Murphy Monroe is a non-profit executive and nationally-known advocate for the benefits of float therapy or sensory deprivation. We talk about how floating works and about the profound impact it has had on his own life. Murphy also outlines the physical, mental, and emotional benefits that floating can provide for anyone. Murphy is a knowledgable and truly passionate advocate for this unique form of wellness and also the owner and operator of a float spa himself. We have a great conversation and this episode is perfect for anyone looking for an interesting and fun way to improve their overall health and wellbeing.