Allies is a podcast that brings together people of diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and experience to talk about the problems facing the world today. We dive head first into issues of race, privilege and the similarities and differences that make life interesting and challenging. It’s awkward, honest and real, the kind of conversations we need now more than ever.
Hope you enjoyed listening to our first season of episodes as much as we enjoyed creating them. Have a great summer and please check back in the fall for a new season of Allies! For more excellent podcast listening:A Guest in the House - hosted by rapper and journalist David Shanks (aka Traum Diggs) and professor and author Mickey Hess, A Guest int he House celebrates the best of what hip-hop has to offer and the lessons it can teach us about the ways we relate to each other across cultural, racial and social divides. Altruism Unplugged - a podcast that raises awareness and promotes growth for charities, non profits, and business leaders that have found independent success and used their platform to give back. Hosted by Jerry Walsh.The Story Forge - Host Lyle Smith started The Story Forge to explore, collect, and share the stories of people who make things. Those unique and special individuals who create things that matter to them and other people.Writers Latitude - a podcast about writers, their work, and the things they care about. Hosted by novelist Joe Samuel Starnes. (This limited run, now archived podcast features some excellent interviews and discussion with contemporary American writers and others in the literary field.)Those Hard Conversations - dedicated to discussing solutions to the issues facing our most vulnerable & marginalized communities. (Coming soon!)--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez
Steven Quigley, by age eight, was already an entrepreneur with his first business. He has traveled the world extensively, living in many countries, meeting people and collecting experiences that would later form his future. Before first having spent many years in South Asia, he eventually settled into a sales position on Wall Street. It was not long before he was back to business, eventually creating his own consumer finance firm, before his meeting with the express train – that changed everything. After a long journey inward, including recovery and healing from quadriplegia, he has re-emerged a new man, and is currently learning to walk again. He was enrolled as a graduate student at University of Pennsylvania until he withdrew to write his first book, Unbreakable Mind. As a result of that life changing journey, though some would say a natural fit, he is now an author, international speaker and wellness coach.Steven Quigley - Additional Resources:Book:Unbreakable Mind: Channeling your Survival Instincts after Catastrophic InjuryWebsites and Blogs: Doing the Dirty Dishes Doing the Dirty Dishes - Spanish Travel Blog Spiritual Blog Social and Media: Instagram Twitter YouTube channel --------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez
SELWYN JONES BIO Born in 1966 to sharecroppers in the Jim Crow South, Selwyn Miles Jones was the youngest of seventeen children. In the small town of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Selwyn, and his siblings toiled alongside their parents in the tobacco fields and endured the most desolate and harsh conditions imaginable. The poverty, disrespect, hatred and disenfranchisement Selwyn and his family experienced was unimaginable to most, yet commonplace for many Black farming families.Selwyn realized early on that sharecropping was yet another version of enslavement. His mother made sure to show her children that there was a better life out there for them and encouraged Selwyn to dream big. Selwyn was determined to leave through any means necessary. His athletic prowess provided him with his ticket out. Through a short but intense arena football career he was able to find financial solvency and fulfilled a childhood desire to purchase a home for his mother. Though life continued to be filled with challenges (Selwyn lost three close family members tragically, including both his parents) he went on to become a successful salesman, hotel owner and father with his dynamic wife Jodie. Then on May 25, 2020 Selwyn’s life was forever changed. While watching the news, along with the rest of the world, he witnessed the unmerciful murder of his 46-year-old nephew, George Floyd. “It was the most horrific thing that I ever witnessed in my life.” As George Floyd’s murder ignited the largest civil rights protest in US history, Selwyn Jones became an activist. Every day Selwyn commits to ending police brutality and systemic racism and bringing justice to his nephew’s senseless and cruel murder. Known affectionately as Uncle Selwyn Jones he promised “I will not let his death be in vain. I do not want my sons or anyone else to go through what my nephew endured for that 8 minutes 46 seconds. I want to be a beacon of light for those who face racism or adversity in this life.” He continues his personal growth by positively enhancing the lives of others in his work as a community & civil rights leader. For interviews, press materials or further information contact Melvin Lars, Manager Tel (440) 935-0374 Email: abrighterfuture91@gmail.comAdditional Resources:Visible Men: Black Fathers Talk About Losing Sons to Police Brutality | GQ --------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez
What motivates a man to go from Kenya to the Keystone state and back again? Vishal Shah did that and so much more. From his childhood spent in Nairobi, Kenya to his undergraduate and graduate degrees at University of Pennsylvania including an MBA from the Wharton School, Shah understands that the real value of business is not what you make, but what you give back. Listen in as he takes us to the plains of Africa where commerce and conservation meet. It’s a compelling story about the challenges and rewards of using knowledge to protect and serve indigenous cultures.
Few artists reveal themselves or the tensions of the world in as visceral and compelling ways as Lili Bernard. The actor, artist and advocate draws on her family history, historical constructs and current events to deliver challenges to power, hold abusers accountable, and shine a bright and optimistic light on the resilience of survivors of every shape and form. In this far-ranging conversation, we touch on the power of art to heal, her own experiences as a Cosby survivor, why advocacy matters now more than ever, as well as the rewards and challenges of stepping forward.
Advocate, ally, reformer and mentor John Valverde has dedicated his life to service. His own incredible life story shows how love and respect help young people embrace positive opportunities that can change their entire trajectory. Join us for a complex and thoughtful conversation on the dignity of work, the resilience and intelligence of today’s opportunity youth and how the promise of innovative green buildings can do more than jump start a career — it can transform a life.
From the vibrant West African nation of Nigeria to the Canadian university system and on to the corporate world, Oluchi Nzimako understands the power of relationships to change the world. Whether it’s her family’s legacy in helping to build the modern Nigerian business world, the bonds forged at boarding school or the rethinking of the Human Resources discipline, Oluchi’s unique point of view and people-centric approach make for a lively and engaging hour with a woman the Allies team is convinced will accomplish much in her professional journey.
A first generation American, Antonio Capistrano has made it his life’s work to help others navigate the complex and often frustrating world of immigration law. As managing partner at MC Law Group, LLC, he takes a deep amount of pride in advocating for those who see the United States as a place of opportunity and refuge. In this interview, we dive into the undercurrents of shifting public opinion, the relationships that underpin immigration law in and outside the courtroom and why, after more than 15 years, he still appreciates the hope and excitement that comes from becoming an American citizen. It’s a frank and honest conversation of a highly relevant issue and we think you will enjoy it.
Rapper and journalist David Shanks (aka Traum Diggs) and professor/author Mickey Hess have joined forces to celebrate and discuss their love of Hip Hop music and culture in their podcast A Guest in the House. What takes this duo’s conversations to another level is their frank and honest examination of the broader issues of the ownership and appreciation of art, and what they can teach us about the social, cultural and racial complexities of our world. This far-ranging discussion delves into how our upbringing impacts our appreciation of art, how creativity changes throughout our lives and the differences between appropriation and appreciation of hip hop culture.
In this interview, we speak with award winning cinematographer, Ron Sim. It is a thoughtful discussion where we get to the heart of what drives Ron, why seeing the people behind the story is vital to his work, and how the head and the heart come together to turn events into news and life into art. In a world that frequently overuses and misstates what it means to be a real storyteller, Ron delivers in ways that are thought-provoking, visceral and human. We hope you enjoy hearing how his commitment to be an ally to people and culture around the world has shaped his life.
Rachel Redshaw lives life with a passion few can match. As a scientist, communicator and entrepreneur, she understands how to succeed in a wide range of business settings. As the founder of non-profit, she's not afraid to get involved in complex and difficult topics. Join us for a lively discussion that will leave you inspired to get off the sidelines and get involved.
Julie Goldberg understands the power of getting involved. As an author, poet, and singer, she delivers memorable works of art and performance. As a librarian, teacher, potential politician, mother, wife, and friend, she is an ally to a wide range of people. In this podcast, we cover a wide range of topics from politics and teaching to advocacy and the media.
Part musician, part businessman, and part raconteur, Jeremy Abbate has developed a phenomenal set of skills that he uses to make the world a better place. As publisher of Scientific American, he stands on the front lines in the war against fake news. In this podcast, we touch on all of that, as well as Covid-19, the power of friendships and innovation.
The founders of Connexus Technologies, Lawrence James and Chris Holland, are more than simple entrepreneurs. They are men of conviction, of faith and of action in the communities they serve. It's a fascinating discussion with two unique and innovative leaders in the African American community.
Carmen turns the microphone inward as he interviews Allies podcast co-creator and producer, Anthony Sergi.
An active community leader, successful corporate lawyer, mentor and public speaker, Royce Warrick takes the time to understand and care about her role in society. Over the last thirty years, she has carved out a unique place where her knowledge, passions and expertise have real and lasting impact. In this talk, Royce discusses how her family, friends and experiences led her to a life of service and to being an effective ally to a wide range of people.
Michaela Crabtree is a mother, educator and engaged citizen. As a former high school and middle school history teacher, she knows all too well how history can repeat itself. That is why she is outspoken and passionate about human rights, antiracism and antifascism.
Carmen speaks with Vanessa Short Bull: Oglala Sioux Tribe member, former Miss South Dakota, dancer, army reservist and multiple board member.
Carmen speaks with long time friends Hanson Yoo and Andrew Popper--both of whom are from immigrant parents--to hear their unique perspectives on what it means to be an American.
Whether it is activism, logistics, graphic design or parenting, Elizabeth Boland brings an intelligence and passion to everything she does. Her open and honest journey as a parent raising a child with Down syndrome has helped a wide range of people ask better questions, seek out additional resources and find allies in unlikely places. In this podcast, we discuss the intersection of politics, advocacy and parenting in the age of misinformation and misperception.
Inez Pagan is a fighter. I don’t mean this metaphorically. She studies kickboxing and is committed to the sport. But it’s an apt metaphor as well because she is a fierce advocate for her two daughters, a proud promoter and defender of her Puerto African and Cuban heritage and maybe most importantly, she is a lifetime advocate for that most effective of one-two punches: empathy and humor. Yes, she’s a businesswoman who has travelled the world and navigated a host of corporate cultures, but she’s a lot more than a successful and credible business person. She’s a success in life.
William Forchion: acrobat, stuntman, author, director, father, friend and so much more. An amazingly interesting person joins us for an open, honest, powerful discussion.
A man who defines easy description, Paul Davis has spent a good deal of his life reaching out and connecting with people from different backgrounds and experiences. As a gay black man, as a musician, as a friend, Paul explains why focusing on similarities and differences is less important than listening and responding to the actual person.
Author, pastor and former law enforcement officer Ralph Graves stops by the Allies podcast to reconnect with an old friend and share a lifetime of experiences bringing people together. Ralph’s wisdom, insights and passion for connecting take the podcast in new and interesting directions.
In this episode, we talk with musician, father and IT professional Dan Rodriguez about diversity, the value of seeing the world and why music can be such a powerful tool to unite people. Dan’s humor, thoughtfulness and ability to connect with people get at the heart of why listening is so important.
In this podcast, we talk to author and communications professional Leni Uddyback-Fortson about the difficulty of fitting in, raising kids in a time of change and why asking questions and learning are so important.
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