Community Conversations with Alex and Dydine

Welcome back to another Community Conversation with Alanna Gibson-Rex, an extraordinary artist and performer who's redefining what it means to move through life—literally and figuratively. From dancing on stilts to leading her own company, The People Circus, Alanna shares her journey of finding balance, freedom, and joy in her art.In this episode, Alanna opens up about:The challenges and triumphs of stilt walking and performance art.How she founded a creative community rooted in kindness and empowerment.Navigating adversity with grace and using it as fuel for resilience.The joy of connection and inspiring others through her work.Her story will leave you motivated to embrace your individuality, build supportive communities, and take bold steps toward your dreams—one (giant) foot at a time.Whether you're an artist, a dreamer, or someone seeking inspiration, this conversation is for you. Don't miss it!

In this episode, we sit down with Penny, CEO of Mexoxo, to discuss her inspiring journey leading a global movement to empower women through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. From navigating cultural challenges in India to fostering partnerships with global institutions like Cornell University, Penny shares how Mexoxo's initiatives are breaking barriers for women worldwide. We dive into her unique insights on overcoming failure, the importance of persistence, and the ripple effect of empowering one woman to uplift entire communities. Tune in to learn more about Mexoxo's mission and the powerful stories of resilience that are transforming lives around the world.

In this episode of Community Conversations, we sit down with Julian, a creative force in fashion, styling, and modeling, who shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Detroit to building a dynamic career in the fashion industry. Julian reflects on his transition from competitive dance to modeling, highlighting how his creative skills evolved along the way. He opens up about the importance of vulnerability, staying true to oneself, and embracing discomfort in both life and work. Julian's story offers valuable insights on self-expression, purpose, and the power of authenticity in the creative space.

In this episode of Community Conversations with Alex and Dydine, we sit down with Frederick Ocansey, a passionate advocate for mental and physical wellness through pilates and yoga. Frederick shares his journey from growing up in a household infused with Ghanaian values in Columbus, Ohio, to becoming a professional ballet dancer. Influenced by his mother's dedication to pilates, Frederick delves into how these practices helped him connect mind and body in his dance career. We also explore the challenges and rewards of introducing wellness practices like yoga and pilates in communities where they are often misunderstood. Frederick's story is a testament to the power of movement in bridging cultural gaps and fostering personal growth. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the transformative potential of wellness across diverse backgrounds.Quotes from the episode:1. On the Historical Context and Inclusivity of Pilates:   "Often, I find myself as the only black person in the room doing ballet or Pilates. Historically, these spaces have been exclusive, but now we're starting to see that Pilates can be accessible and beneficial for everyone, especially within black and brown communities."2. On Being True to Oneself:   "It's rare even in regular conversations for people to not feel like they have to put on a mask. There's a clear flow of energy when you can just be yourself without pretending, and that's something I appreciate deeply."3. On Embracing Vulnerability and Fluidity:   "Growing up, the idea of being like water—soft and fluid yet strong and dynamic—resonated with me. Knowing when to be fluid and when to be strong is crucial. It allows you to pivot in life, preventing you from getting stuck. This understanding is essential for personal and community growth."4. On Emotional Expression and Healing:   "Expressing your emotions, whether it's laughing or crying, is vital. Holding in emotions causes stress and ailments. There's so much power in our breath, and using it to express and release emotions is key to living a full, balanced, and peaceful life."

In this episode of Community Conversations, we chat with Cody Butler, the creative mind behind the sustainable fashion brand New Beginnings. Cody opens up about his journey from dipping his toes into the modeling world to crafting unique pieces from upcycled materials. He shares how a trip across Europe helped him find his passion and how building a supportive community has been key to his success. From his shoot with to his collection, “Authenticity Pack Chapter One,” Cody's story is all about passion, purpose, and staying true to yourself. In this episode, Cody shares his tenacity to accomplish his goals and it is infectious. Tune in for an inspiring conversation, and we hope you enjoy!Quotes from the episode!1. "Tell the world your aspirations. You never know who's on the other side of the door."2. "Sustainability is not just a trend; it's a commitment to the planet and future generations."3. "Vulnerability in creativity builds trust and connects people to your work in profound ways."4. "Community is everything. You can't do it alone, so find your people and collaborate."Make sure to support Cody here ⬇️https://www.instagram.com/codybutler8?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==https://www.tiktok.com/@newbeginnings7.11?_t=8oKUEwH2CVj&_r=1

Vileena joins us to share her background and passion in fashion and explains the process of finding clothing that speaks to who you are.

Happy New Year! Here are the six books we mentioned in the episode:1. Your Inner Will - Piero Ferrucci2. Many Lives, Many Masters - Dr. Brian Weiss, MD3. Factfulness - Hans Rosling4. Embracing Survival - Dydine Umunyana5. Permission to Feel -  Marc Brackett, Ph. D6. Nonflict -  Amir Kfir, Ph. D & Stephen Hecht, MBA

In celebration of the Maimoun x Baserange event in Los Angeles, CA we had the great pleasure of speaking with creator and owner of Maimoun, Mina Alyeshmerni about her upbringing, her dreams, her community, and how Maimoun came to be!

Community ConversationsWith Alex & DydineEpisode 17“The knowledge that I have gained that is so crucial to understand is that our mental health is as important as our physical well-being.”Special guest Yvonne Umugwaneza

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 16Why is it important for people around the world to understand the significance of black history?Special guest Harry Anderson.

Community Conversations with Alex & DydineEpisode 15Is there a difference in reception of yoga practices in more developed communities vs impoverished ones?Special Guests Jordan Ashley & Consolee Nishimwe: On Importance of Giving

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 14What benefits did you see with yoga starting out?Special guest Jordan Ashley: Yoga access for our mental health 

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 13As a student, what patterns are you noticing in how young people engage with the world?Special guest Alexa Natale: Young People's engagement with the world

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 12Having been adopted at an only a few months old and not remembering your life in China, was embracing your identity a challenge growing up?Special guest Kira Omans: Adoption Community Awareness

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 11The last few years has been so hard for so many people due to Covid-19, and it was even harder for people working in your field, how are you feeling right now?Special guest Sabra Isimbi : The frontlines of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 10As an immigration lawyer, who immigrated herself, how would you describe the process people have to go through to feel safe and at home in an unsettling situation?Special Guest Monica (Momo) Ren: Immigration

Community Conversationswith Alex and DydineEpisode 9Why is it important for you to take a stance for human right?“I think it's important to create your own evolution, we continue empowering each other, and create miracles. I think we can.”

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 8What was it like for you growing up in Israel?And how did living there influence your great love of life?

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 7What is community?What is family?How and why have they shaped you?

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 6 Surviving an acid attack is one thing, surviving after surviving is another thing. How did you do it?Special guest Monica Singh.

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 5What do you think happens when we allow the “others” in?Special guest Monika Dorniak. The importance of self-expression.

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 4Did you know that it was going to open doors for your healing journey or were you terrified?Special guest Consolee Nishimwe. Happiness is a choice.

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 3Do you feel like we understand the importance of voting?Special guest Joanne Bland. Inclusion, voting and meaningful action to move forward in society.

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 2Arin Degroff biographyMy story begins about 11 years ago when I asked myself for the first time; ‘what does it mean to love yourself Arin?' I found myself perpetually frustrated that no one could tell me how to love myself, what it looked like, how they did it or let alone even know how to talk about it. At the time, I was not aware of the weight of my question nor did I know that the Universe would provide me the exact experiences I needed to discover the answers.In life, I believe the smallest moments are the strings that stitch everything together. What brought me here today was a chain of moments and decisions; ones that I could trace back to childhood, leaving home, graduating college, moving into my first apartment or even a coin toss. All beautiful stories worth sharing and significant turning points in life, but none as potent as the choice I am consistently making to show up for the discovery of myself. By doing so, I find gratitude for life in the present moment which enables me to continue unlocking the gifts within me that have been the catalyst to my life as an artist, activist and energy practitioner.

Community Conversationswith Alex & DydineEpisode 1André Lovelle biographyAndré Lovelle is a former educator and writer that hails from Washington DC. In 2005, André launched his writing adventure with a blog called Blaxplanation. He used this blog as a tool to unpack black lives and start a dialogue about the vast and rich cultures the world has to offer. He says that, “we cannot always let fear dictate how we interact with the world or how we live our lives. Because you cannot fully realize yourself if you are constantly operating through fear”.

Please join us in celebrating International Women's Month and our first Community Conversation as we chat with Sharon, Nancy, and Jeannie about their transformative experience with their community and the ocean. In this illuminating discussion these badass women share exactly what makes their small community so special. Whether they're swimming with the wildlife or watching rocket launches on the horizon while peacefully floating on the waves, the wonderful bond these women share is palpable and we can't wait for you to hear!For more about Baserange, please click here for more info!For more on our previous Instagram Community Conversations with Alex & Dydine, check out @baserange