Listen to four very different friends tackle issues of racism from every side as they learn to embrace people from every perspective while sharing their own.
Moral and Carl take a deep dive into Finding Edna Lewis, a beautifully crafted documentary that uncovers the extraordinary life of Edna Lewis — the Unionville, VA native who became one of the most influential voices in American cooking. More than just a chef, Lewis was a cultural icon who celebrated Southern foodways, Black heritage, and the power of seasonal, farm-to-table cooking long before it was a trend. Listen as the team reflects on how the film honors her legacy and explores the deeper themes of memory, food, land, and identity that rise to the surface. Shoutout to community leader Duron Chavis for continuing the work of preserving Black agricultural and food traditions in Richmond and beyond. Edna Lewis's most beloved books include: The Taste of Country Cooking In Pursuit of Flavor The Edna Lewis Cookbook The Gift of Southern Cooking (with Scott Peacock)
Team Embrace tackles their final topic of season 5, Healthcare! This time around starting with access to healthcare, Carl and Moral discuss their assumptions about the subject and how important it is to the communities in Richmond. ShoutOut to In My Corner Mentoring (@inmycornermentoring) and more...
Carl and Moral have been eagerly anticipating this discussion, and the wait is finally over! They welcome Dr. Julian Hayter, Associate Professor of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond and author of The Making of Twenty-First-Century Richmond: Politics, Policy, and Governance, for a powerful conversation on Urban Planning. ShoutOut goes to LuLu's (@lulusrva) and more... Join the conversation at www.embracerva.com
Back to the Map! Team Embrace ventures back to the pod's 1st Mapz series community, Shockoe Bottom. Ana Edwards joins the pod and guides Carl and Moral through Shockoe's history past, present, and it's hopeful future. Some New FOODIE spots are revealed. Irie Ting Jamaican Grill (@irietingja) ande LuLu's (@lulusrva). ShoutOut goes to The Well Collective (@thewellcollective_) Find out more about what's happening in Shockoe Bottom: - The Shockoe Project - www.theshockoeproject.com - Sacred Ground Project - www.sacredgroundproject.net - Virginia Defender - www.virginiadefender.org Become apart of the Conversation! www.embracerva.com
Moral and Carl are back for round two of discussing Urban Planning! Moral shares ALL of what he's learned and has a perspective shift. Carl shares his insights on some connecting ideas. The team gears up to speak with an expert. Shout Out goes to Plan RVA (@planrva) and more... www.embracerva.com - Join the Conversation!
Team Embrace revisits the groundbreaking documentary "Daughters," joined by Dr. Ram Bhagat (@drrambhagat). The trio delves into the film's powerful moments and reflects on their real-life connections. Special shout-out to Sistah Angela Patton (@sistah_angela) and her program Girls For A Change (@girlsforachange). Join the conversation at www.embracerva.com!
Moral and Carl embark on their next big topic, Urban Planning. Without any prior research, the team discusses the topic and how important this issue is. ShoutOut goes to Richmond Tree Stewards (@richmondtreestewards) www.embracerva.com - Join the Conversation!
***Special Episode***Happy New Year! Team Embrace is back to discuss the recent unpleasantries impacting the Greater Richmond area. After a winter storm exposes Richmond's inadequate water maintenance...The city and surrounding counties are left without water. ShoutOut goes to Taylor Scott and RVA Community Fridges for their service during the water outage and More... www.embracerva.com - Join the Conversation!
Happy Holidays from Embrace Matters of Richmond!!! Moral and Carl kick off the New Year season with their Mid-season review. They discuss standout moments, personal growth, and their hopes for their content moving into 2025! Moral gives a special shoutout and more... Check out our website to join the Conversation at www.embracerva.com
Carl and Moral bring their formal discussion on the Housing Crisis/Spectrum to a close, with the help of Todd Waldo, and Malcom Jones. Shoutout goes to Farm & Oak (@farmandoak_westend) and more...
MapZ is BACK! The team crosses the river once again to dive deep into the history and uniqueness of RVA's communities. This time they take a BIG step back to discuss why the SOUTHSIDE as a whole constantly gets the short end of the stick. The Veil Brewing Co and Laura Lee's get the ShoutOut and more... Places Mentioned To Check Out: - Sankofa - Fonticello Food Forest - Fonticello Park - The Valentine "museum"
After an amazing Embrace Space, a powerful Controversial/History talk with The Valentine, and research articles, Team Embrace returns with the facts and a number of resources(See Down Below). Moral and Carl discuss the many events they attended and the impact of what was shared. Shoutout goes to Blessing Warriors RVA (@blessingwarriorsrva) and more... RESOURCES FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE: - New Virginia Majority: https://www.newvirginiamajority.org/connect - Housing Forward VA: https://housingforwardva.org/ - HOME RVA https://homeofva.org/ - Nehemiah Project https://www.nehemiahprojectinc.org/ - Rebuilding Together Richmond https://www.rtrva.org/ - Blessing Warriors https://blessingwarriorsrva.com/ - RVA Eviction Lab https://evictionlab.org/eviction-tracking/richmond-va
The Crew gets started quickly on the season's first topic, The Housing Crisis. Without any prior research, Moral and Carl discuss what they know and have heard about housing that seems to have tensions bubbling beneath the surface. ShoutOut goes to Parlay Bar & Lounge (@parlayrva) and more... Follow Team Embrace to become a part of the convo IG: @embrace_podcast
Finally, the Boyz are Back! After a long summer of R&R and the constant breaking of big news stories, Moral and Carl return for a highly anticipated Fifth season. Moral also drops some big news about live events. Shout Out goes to TACO BAMBA (@tacobamba) and much more... Embrace Space: Richmond's Housing Crisis Date: Monday, October 14, 2024 Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Location: Parlay Bar & Lounge 3117 W Leigh St Suite A, Richmond, VA 23230 Follow Team Embrace to become a part of the convo IG: @embrace_podcast
THEE TERRIFIC THREE IS BACK!!! Moral, Carl, and the amazing Gabriela Santana come together for the finale episode of season 4! Taking a look back at Embrace's most monumental season yet. ShoutOut goes to Roots Holistic & Tea Blends (@rootsrva) Take a ride through season 4's most memorable moments and topics, and answer the questions, "What are some topics you would like on the show?" and "What are your expectations for season 5?" Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast
In their final formal discussion on the greater Richmond school system, Moral and Carl invite Dr. Kim McKnight (@kimwraymcknight) to the show to gain a more hopeful perspective. Shout Out to ALL THE TEACHERS AND STAFF!!! Also to ICA at VCU for their amazing media center and More... Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast
Moral and Carl venture east to the Historically beautiful, and uniquely vibrant Church Hill, in hopes to learn more about this Richmond burrow and what makes it special to the Greater community. They welcome Special Guest Vernon Plack, Earl Andrews, and Sharon Burton from the Church Hill Association (@chaofrva) to lead them up the hill home, through the sweet history of Richmond's 1st neighborhood. Shout Out goes to Millie's Diner (@milliesrva), Richmond Hero John Coleman, Peter Paul Development Center and MUCH MORE...
Your favorite duo gets right to it in this second installment of the Greater Richmond School System. Moral and Carl come to a common realization and wonder what can be done. Their hope points toward a SUPER SPECIAL GUEST that can provide some deeper understanding. Shout Out to the AMAZING RISE Richmond (@riserichmond) and more...
Team Embrace embarks on their finale topic of the season, the Greater Richmond School System. Without any prior research, Moral and Carl discuss what IS working and what is not, Standardized tests, teacher treatment, and the differences between counties. A lot of interesting questions challenge the team's perception. Shout Out goes to Hope for Learning and more...
In today's episode, the Team sits with Dr. Ram Bhagat (@drrambhagat), a longtime educator, arts innovator, peacemaker, and community healer. This topic has been a tough one to process and with the help of Dr. Ram, Moral, and Carl can wrestle through and find some healing and hope for the future. Shout Out goes to RVA Hope Center and More...
Moral and Carl welcome special guest Rebekah Pierce, local writer, speaker, teacher, and all-around renaissance woman. Together they break down the Best Picture nominee American Fiction. Shout out goes to OMG OCPS (https://www.omgocps.com/menu/) Richmond's newest oatmeal cream pie shop. Rebekah gives a Shout out to Minty's Catering (https://www.mintyscatering.com/) and more...
For this MapZ series episode, Moral and Carl RE-welcome Josh Dickerson, old friend and Embrace's very first special guest. Josh takes the pod through the history of the westend area, specifically Short Pump, from it's humble beginnings to it's overly abundant commerce. Shout Out goes to Chen's Chinese Restaurant and More..
Team Embrace, after weeks of research, comes back to the topic of Gun Violence. The guys go back through the questions brought up in the previous discussion and continue to find discoveries. Moral reads off several resources in place to help prevent gun violence and heal from it. The ShoutOut goes to Ghetto Gastro (@ghettogastro) and more... If you would like to dive into the resources talked about SOME are listed here: Street Smartz Over Safety https://streetsmartzoversafety.squarespace.com/ Drums No Guns Foundations Richmond Peace Education Center https://www.rpec.org/ Child Savers https://www.childsavers.org/services/childrens-mental-health-services/ Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast
The Mapz Series is BACK and this time Moral and ThaHomieCarl dive into the industrial, residential town of Manchester. The guys welcome Board President Janet Woodka and Board member Ann Kramer from Manchester Alliance (IG:@manchester_rva), a neighborhood association dedicated to the goals and improvements of the Manchester community. Listen in as the Team learns what makes Manchester unique and important to the Greater whole. If you are interested in connecting with Manchester Alliance join their meetings: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm on the 2nd Thursday of every month at local Manchester establishments. Or visit their website for more info. (https://manchesteralliance1.wixsite.com/manchesteralliance) Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast
Team Embrace start their journey on, perhaps their most challenging topic to date, Gun Violence. Moral And Carl carefully share their thoughts and assumptions, which bring up some important questions for them to find out. Shout Out goes to RISC - Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities and more...
Your Favorite duo finally brings you the breakdown you all have been waiting for. Season 4's second Hitpick is the summer smash, Barbie. The crew invite two guests to gain a new perspective, Janee Downs and Bridge 9 Theater founder, Rachel Garmon-Williams (@bridge9improv). The four dive deep into the themes and commentary laid out by the film. Shout Out goes to BareSOUL Yoga (@baresoulyoga) and more...
With the New Year on the horizon, Moral and Carl take a quick moment to reflect on the season so far in their Midseason review. Their reminiscing turns into hopes for 2024. ShoutOut goes to St. Joseph's Villa. The Boys share their holiday plans and more... Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast
As Moral and Carl bring the season's 1st topic Local Politics to a close, the team is joined by special guest Stephanie Lynch, 5th District's City Council Representative. They discuss the aftermath of the Casino vote, the importance of being informed, and Stephanie's Top 5 Food Spots in RVA! ShoutOut goes to The Answer Brewpub and Local Guru Dwayne Washington. Finally, Stephanie shares new ways to stay connected and get involved. Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast
Welcome Back Super Friend of the Show, Taylor Scott (@issocoollike_), founder of RVA Community Fridges. Taylor joins the Team for the season's first Hitpick, "They Cloned Tyrone", Netflix's hit film. **SPOILER SPOILER ALERT** Please watch it on Netflix before listening. ShoutOut goes to SweetnPurdy Bake Shop and more... Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast
Just days before the local elections, Team Embrace comes back with part two of their topic breakdown of local politics. They answer the questions brought up last episode, and they rediscuss the Casino. ShoutOut goes to JuiceLifeRva and more... Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast
With the Local Elections right around the corner, Team Embrace chooses their FIRST topic, Local Politics. Without any prior research, Moral and The Homie Carl discuss the importance of local elections and the impact they can have. They also chime in on the hottest topic in Richmond politics, The Casino!!!! ShoutOUT goes to BK's Loaded Kitchen and more... Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast
FINALLY THE MIGHTY THREE IS BACK!!!!! Moral, Carl, and Gabriela look back on an amazing season. Moral sends a congrats to Style Weekly's Top 40 under 40. ShoutOut goes to Rollineatz Food Truck (@rollineatzva) and Gabriela shares her perspective on the pod's growth and impact this season. Follow for more happening on IG @embrace_podcast
After an eventful summer, Richmond's Topic Tacklers discuss the events they missed while on vacation. ShoutOUT goes to BLKRVA and a LONG list of Embrace Supporters. The Team also addresses the expectations for this season. Follow to join the Conversation on IG @embrace_podcast
Moral and Carl welcome Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, a VCU educator and Richmond leader, to the pod. Dr. T breaks down Gentrification with the team and brings up a number of thought-provoking revelations. The Shout Out goes to Richmond For All @richmondforall and more... If you want to join the convo Follow Embrace Matters of Richmond @embrace_podcast Reach out to Dr. T @drtpetti or @theconciliationproject
Back with some Great facts about Shockoe Bottom, the crew discusses the research found by Gabriela. Moral and Carl plan a hang out in the bottom and some places to visit. ShoutOut goes to the Book Bar Located in the slip. Become a part of the convo and message them on Instagram @Embrace_podcast
Moral and Carl are back with Part II of their deep dive of Gentrification. After preparing with Gabriela, The team discuss the research and possible solutions to this unique issue. This episode's ShoutOut goes to The Sweet Xscape @thesweetxcape Keep sharing your sweetness with the communities of RVA! SUPER SPECIAL ShoutOut to "Official Friend of the Show" Taylor Scott of RVA Community Fridges. Congrats on receiving the Acts of Kindness Award! Become apart of the Convo and follow on Instagram @embrace_podcast
Finished with Food Apartheid following an AMAZING 1st Embrace Space, The Team starts an analysis of Gentrification. Without any prior research, Moral and Carl discuss its meaning and how it impacts Richmond's communities. ShoutOut goes to Creative Friends Market IG: @creativefriendsmarket If you want to join the discussion hit up Team Embrace on IG: @embrace_podcast
Moral and Carl are Back! This time with a NEW SERIES to learn more about their city, called MapZ. The first burrow up for deep dive is Shockoe Bottom. The team discuss their thoughts about the area and what they want to learn. ShoutOut goes to CSz Richmond Theater IG: @cszrichmondtheater Hit the Team up to join the conversation on IG: @embrace_podcast
Here's the HITPICK Episode yall been asking for! Team Embrace breaks down the trending titan "You People." A friend of the show, Taylor Scott, is back to share her thoughts on the film. This episode is a MUST LISTEN!!! Shout Out goes to Vonderlehr Tire Pros @vonderlehrtirepros, Thanks for being a Richmond Staple. Your Trustworthiness and Skill are RVA Famous! To donate or get involved, visit @rvacommunityfridges on Instagram or RVA Community Fridges' GoFundMe campaign. Join the Conversation @embrace_podcast We would love to here your thoughts!
Today Team Embrace dives back into the conversation on "Food Apartheid." This time with special guest Taylor Scott, founder of RVA Community Fridges. Taylor details her journey as an advocate for Richmond in its fight for Better Food Options. To donate or get involved, visit @rvacommunityfridges on Instagram or RVA Community Fridges' GoFundMe campaign. Shoutout goes to Chef Michael Lindsey, congrats on all your restaurants' success. Follow his Restaurant Empire at @chef.m.lindsey Join the Conversation @embrace_podcast We would love to hear your thoughts!
On the Final Episode of the year, Moral and Carl reflect on past episodes, changes to the podcast, and the creation of Embrace Mor. They both tackle some tough questions, and they discuss where the podcast and nonprofit are heading next! The "Big Factz" shoutout goes to Joyebells Pies. Congrats on your success! Join the Team or the Convo on IG @embrace_podcast
Team Embrace is back after some MUCH needed help and research with Gabriela. This time recording in an actual studio, Moral and Carl learn from The Annie E Casey Foundation's study on what food deserts are, where they're located, and how they impact people. The research they find leads to some hard truths, and to some necessary changes to be made. The "Big Factz" shoutout goes to TheMSQshop! @themsqshop Special Thanks to Illa, Chris, and the whole team at CNTR for providing a space for Embrace to record! Join the Team or the Convo @embrace_podcast
On today's episode Team Embrace introduces a new series on Food Deserts. Moral and Carl discuss their thoughts on What it is, Who it impacts, and what it will take to fix. The Big facts segment goes to Charis Jones, CEO of Sassy Jones. Congrats on your new store front! The team ends with two different Hypothesis's
After the convo with Kim, Team Embrace digest their NEW perspective on the importance of community. Moral issues a Challenge and Carl shares his thoughts on the Seven Blind Mice story!
Team Embrace welcomes special guest Kim Lemite to discuss "Neighborhood Bias" from her perspective. She challenges the Team to think broader and not so black and white. The "Big Factz" segment goes to @W.H.O_VA Women Helping Others VA for their awesome work in Virginia! Book Recommendations: - Culturally Responsive Teaching & The Brain by Zaretta Hammond - Seven Blind Mice by Ed Young
In the first topic of season 3, Moral and Carl jump right into their thoughts on Neighborhood Bias. Without any prior research, they discuss why this topic is important. The team ultimately comes up with a hypothesis. "Where you grow up, shapes your worldview." The Big Factz shoutout goes to Taylor Scott of RVA Community Fridges (@rvacommunityfridges) and more...
In the first topic of season 3, Moral and Carl jump right into their thoughts on Neighborhood Bias. Without any prior research, they discuss why this topic is important. The team ultimately comes up with a hypothesis. "Where you grow up, shapes your worldview." The Big Factz shoutout goes to Taylor Scott of RVA Community Fridges (@rvacommunityfridges) and more...
Your Favorite crew is back, for the last time this season, with their NEW ongoing series called InterGen Interviews", A Special Guest joins and tells of their life, perspective, and walk with God. ShoutOut to Raegan Sharnae Way. All donations can made at https://www.raegansharnaeway.org/ Instagram: @Embrace_Podcast Reddit: r/Embrace_MoR A Special Thanks to you all for an AMAZING Season II Embrace M.o.R will return August 2022!
On today's episode, the team tries out Gabriela's brilliant idea for a NEW ongoing series called InterGen Interviews", where the crew interviews Christians from multiple backgrounds to gain different perspectives on following Christ. They welcome Darius to be the first. A SPECIAL Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers, and more...
Your favorite crew member is back with an amazing Hitpick! Jay Liv (@bluejay_live) joins Carl and Dom to breakdown the horror classic Candyman and its recent update in 2021. Shout Out goes to Flo Joe's African Fusion Cuisine and Catering (flojoes_). Dom shares a bone-chilling childhood story, and more...
Disclaimer: This episode contains moments in which racial slurs are spoken for educational purposes. Embrace M.o.R Inc. in NO WAY, Shape, or FORM condone the use of racial slurs by way of dehumanizing people. The goal of this discussion is to learn and teach. On Today's Episode, the Team discusses the origins of the "N" word and its turbulent history in America. After learning some background, Carl, Dom, and Gabriela wrestle with how the word has impacted their lives. ShoutOut goes to Cheddar Jackson (@cheddarjacksonrva)...and More! Instagram: @Embrace_Podcast Reddit: r/Embrace_MoR
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