iChange Justice

The "iChange Justice" podcast is joined by a very special guest and longtime supporter of its mission, Mel Hoover. As an advisor, Hoover provides his unique perspective, helping to navigate the significant transitions and complex issues facing Whatcom County.The conversation with Mel begins with a personal journey, as he shares how he and his wife, both ministers and change agents, came to settle in the Pacific Northwest to be closer to their family. Mel, originally from the East Coast, reflects on his first visit to the area in the 1980s and the striking contrast between its sleepy, small-town facade and the deep, complex realities that were not immediately visible. He brings to light the area's history as a "sundown town," a fact that was unknown to even many longtime residents, including the host. This powerful revelation sets the stage for a discussion on how historical realities, often hidden, continue to shape the present.Mel's own life story is a mosaic of different cultures, religions, and races. He shares his incredible journey of being born in a segregated Columbus, Ohio, in 1944, into a family with Cherokee, Seminole, French, and Irish heritage. This early experience in a multicultural family, living in an "apartheid nation," gave him a unique perspective on the true nature of America—a perspective he was forced to reconcile with the idealized stories he was told. He recounts how his family, though highly educated, still faced discrimination, and how he learned to see the world not as a single narrative, but as a complex and multiplex reality.As the year moves into 2025, the conversation shifts to the urgent issues at the forefront of Whatcom County, from water adjudication and border complexities to global challenges and the "whiteout of truth" caused by misinformation. Mel explains that to tackle these issues, one must first build authentic relationships and find common ground. He argues that the culture has diminished the value of truth, and that it is necessary to return to smaller, trusted circles to find a way back to honest conversation and shared purpose. Mel's wisdom reminds listeners that even with all the complexities faced, the possibility of what could be is worth fighting for.Joy Gilfilen concludes the conversation by highlighting the very real and present threats people face, including the increase in natural disasters like tornadoes, firestorms, and floods, and how these events impact the food supply. However, she pivots from the negative to a message of hope and action. The episode is a call to come together and find solutions. Gilfilen emphasizes the importance of saving the waters, reminding everyone that because all are made of water, they are also saving themselves. This final thought serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnectedness and shared responsibility to protect the planet and each other.

In a special milestone episode, Joy Gilfilen hosts a powerful conversation on restorative justice with Irene Morgan, founder of the Restorative Community Coalition. This episode, delves into how the justice system has shifted from a successful, community-based approach to a punitive, punishment-focused model. Morgan, who has decades of experience in this field, shares her journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.The discussion begins with Irene's early experience in the 1990s on a Community Accountability Board (CAB) in Whatcom County. This diversion program for first and second-time teen offenders had a remarkable 98% success rate, allowing young people to avoid a juvenile record by making restitution and completing community service. Despite its success, the program was quietly dismantled, and local officials later claimed that restorative justice wasn't possible, particularly for felony cases.Irene's personal story illustrates the human cost of the current system. She recounts the tragic death of her grandson in a car accident and the two years of emotional trauma and uncertainty her family endured. The justice system, in this case, provided no information about the driver responsible. When they finally met him, they discovered he was a grieving man filled with remorse and contemplating suicide. By engaging with him directly, the family was able to find healing, illustrating that forgiveness and understanding can be more powerful than a prison sentence.The podcast emphasizes that a punishment-focused system feeds a "mass industrial complex" and a social caste system, disproportionately affecting the poor. Morgan and Gilfilen argue that the first 72 hours after an arrest are crucial for providing help, not punishment, and that a lack of continuous services from the justice system makes it nearly impossible for people to get back on their feet.The episode concludes with a vision for a better way forward. Morgan proposes the creation of a "Restore a Life Center"—a place that would provide housing, employment, education, and trauma healing to those who have been through the system. This model focuses on repairing harm and helping people become productive members of society, a stark contrast to the current system's emphasis on incarceration.

Beyond Punishment: Restorative Justice and the Path to Community HealingReady for a deep dive into justice? It's our 199th episode, and Whatcom County's own Joy Gilfilen is joined by Irene Morgan, the founder of the Restorative Community Coalition. Together, they're taking a hard look at the justice system as we know it, and they're not holding back.Irene shares her incredible journey, starting with her childhood and her early observations of how the "welfare system" impacted people. She later saw those same patterns repeat in the court and justice system, leading her to a stark conclusion: the system isn't broken. It's working exactly as it was designed to—to generate massive amounts of money and capture people within its grasp.This powerful conversation unpacks the hidden truths of probable cause, the tragedy of high bail that forces people to plead guilty to crimes they didn't commit, and the devastating cycle of debt and trauma that families endure. Irene reveals that this system (traded on the New York Stock Exchange) doesn't prioritize victims but instead enriches itself. Joy and Irene discuss the true cost of incarceration, from soaring legal fees and fines to the loss of jobs, housing, and even family connections.But this episode isn't just about identifying problems; it's about pioneering solutions. Irene explains the profound healing power of restorative justice, a process that brings together victims and perpetrators to find a path to restitution, healing, and even forgiveness. They also talk about a range of other solutions, including the coalition's work in court navigation, case management, and the vision for the Restore Life Center, a project that could help people before they ever enter the jail system.The conversation touches on the inspiring progress of the tiny home community in Whatcom County, a grassroots effort that is helping people escape homelessness and rebuild their lives. As Irene says, we don't have to keep doing things the same way. We can choose a healthier, more humane path that focuses on healing rather than punishment. This is a must-listen episode for anyone who wants to understand the real justice system and what we can do to change it for the better.

In a compelling conversation, Joy Gilfilen welcomes Atul Deshmane, a dedicated public servant and Whatcom County resident, to the iChange Justice podcast. Deshmane, with his extensive background in clean energy and technology, offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our communities. He begins by drawing a crucial distinction between a politician and a public servant, arguing that the latter's true purpose is to serve the public interest, not personal gain.The discussion pivots to the concept of "intention over innovation," with Deshmane explaining that while he once believed technology alone could make the world better, he now understands that it is human intention that gives innovation purpose. This mindset is vital for addressing complex issues, from the use of artificial intelligence to how we manage our natural resources.The episode hones in on three key issues for Whatcom County in 2025: water, energy, and digital civics. Deshmane highlights the existential threat to the Nooksack River, sharing a study that shows a high probability of it running dry within 50 years. He advocates for a proactive, collaborative approach to water management that includes regenerative agriculture, increased soil carbon, and innovative storage solutions like dams built for river protection, not just energy production. The conversation also explores the need for new energy sources like geothermal power and the importance of digital civics to empower citizens.This episode is a powerful call to action, urging listeners to move beyond negative distractions and focus on collaborative, intention-driven solutions to build a more resilient and just future.

This week on the iChange Justice podcast, we're joined by John Fitzpatrick, a certified peer counselor with a unique perspective. John's journey began with a decades-long struggle with the justice system, starting at age six. But after a long history of incarceration, he's found a new path, dedicating his life to helping others as a street outreach worker.John's work in Longview, Washington, goes beyond simply offering a bed for the night. He's a living example of the "wraparound services" model, a holistic approach to helping people in need. He explains that true change comes from addressing the whole person—offering mental health and substance abuse counseling, employment assistance, and housing support, all guided by someone with lived experience like himself.The conversation gets real about the challenges on the streets today, including the disconnect between political promises like "housing first" and the reality of limited funding and services. John also sheds light on the evolving relationship between law enforcement and the community. He works directly with police behavioral health units, bridging the gap and ensuring that people in crisis get the help they need rather than just a trip to jail.Ultimately, John's story is a powerful reminder that change is a choice, but it's a difficult one. He challenges us all to get involved, even in a small way, by simply listening to people's stories and treating them with compassion. His message is a call to action for communities to support those who are trying to help themselves, creating a network of support that can truly change lives.

Hosg, Joy Gilfilen, features a compelling conversation with criminal justice educator Karen Ball and Peacemaker Kurt Krueger. The discussion explores the transformative power of intentional change, bridging the gap between internal peace and external social activism. The panel delves into how personal belief systems and emotional integrity can create "quantum leaps" in individual performance and, by extension, societal transformation.Karen Ball introduces the concept of "sacred activism," which marries inner spiritual work with the outward action of social change. She challenges the notion of "Pax Americana," a peace maintained through force, and advocates for a peace that is an embodied, active verb rather than a passive noun. Kurt Krueger shares his life's work as an educator and peacemaker, detailing how he cultivated an environment of kindness and teamwork in schools and how he later applied this to high-performance contexts. He emphasizes that a "state of being"—not just a state of mind—can lead to extraordinary results. The conversation also touches on the science behind belief and its impact on DNA, as pioneered by Dr. Bruce Lipton, and the importance of addressing both the "nature" of our internal selves and the "nurture" of our social systems.

Eric Flores: A New Era of Justice - Restorative CommUnity Coalition. A New Era of Justice: Eric Flores on Re-entry, Restoration, and Whatcom County's FutureIn a new episode of the iChange Justice podcast, host Joy Gilfilen introduces Eric Flores, the new president of the Restorative Community Coalition. Eric brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional insight to his new role.As a Care Coordinator with the Freedom Project, Eric works as a peer mentor, guiding individuals currently or formerly incarcerated back into the community. His own experience with incarceration gives him profound empathy for the challenges of re-entry, and he helps clients develop detailed support plans to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. He notes that the attention to detail from his previous job as an inspector surprisingly transfers to his current role, allowing him to hold people accountable with genuine interest.The Freedom Project provides crucial support for re-entry, including rental assistance, food, and clothing. Eric emphasizes that having a private space is the "cornerstone" of stability. However, he highlights a key challenge in Whatcom County: a lack of funding and a "gatekeeping" mentality among some non-profits that hinder collaboration. He believes greater cooperation is essential to serve the community effectively.Eric also discusses the "Rip Van Winkle" effect of returning to a world transformed by technology and the struggle to adapt to digital life. The Freedom Project's digital literacy program helps bridge this gap. Through personal transformation and the encouragement of mentors, Eric has flipped a "criminal mindset" into a positive one, rebuilding his life and career to empower others.Looking forward, Eric expresses hope for a future defined by empathy and understanding. He stresses the importance of community ties and working together to build a better era of public safety.For more information, visit RestorativeCommunity.org and FreedomProjectW.org.

In this podcast we again welcome Kurt Krueger as we dive into the many faces of peace and how this applies to what's happening right now in 2025. We discuss the crucial links between the personal feeling of peace inside of us and how it affects what is happening in the space around us. Using real-world experiences, Kurt brings his wisdom to bear on today's challenges that we all are facing. He discusses how it works in real time physiologically, then in real situations, and how this ripples out to achieve a state change in the community. How do we "calm the waters" when people all around the world are confronting different types of trauma, tension, and stress?

Join Whatcom County's own Joy Gilfilen as she welcomes special guests Mel Hoover and Rose Eddington of Mel Rose Ministries.This isn't just encouragement; it's wisdom, knowledge, hope, and a vision for navigating turbulent times. Mel and Rose, elders wise in years, share profound insights from their lives spanning eras from the Civil War to the present. They dive into how historical shifts, media, and cultural narratives have shaped our understanding of justice, community, and nationhood.Prepare for a deep conversation that untangles the "snaggletooth" layers of chaos in our society, from the impact of early television to the complexities of Christian nationalism and the true meaning of "we the people." This episode challenges listeners to ground themselves, confront the forces of oppression, and consider how obscene wealth impacts our collective well-being and the planet.Don't miss this crucial dialogue on learning from the past to shape a more just future for all generations.Find iChange Justice every Thursday locally and everywhere you get your podcasts.

This Thursday dive into the latest episode of iChange Justice podcast with our host Joy Gilfilen featuring Doug Gustafson, Chairman of HomesNOW, a Whatcom County 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to ending homelessness. This isn't just about housing; it's about empowerment.

In a world grappling with escalating societal challenges, the iChange Justice podcast pulls back the curtains on the intricate dance between local realities and national implications within the criminal justice system. Hosts Joy Gilfilen and Karen Ball invite listeners to journey into Whatcom County, Washington—a seemingly small corner of the Pacific Northwest that, as they meticulously reveal, serves as a powerful microcosm for the struggles and solutions facing communities across the entire nation.From the unique pressures of border security to the pervasive influence of the prison industrial complex, Gilfilen, with decades of on-the-ground experience, paints a vivid picture of the "Snaggletooth Dragon" of conflicts and paradoxes that erode public safety and economic well-being. Ball, a seasoned veteran in criminal justice and social change, expertly guides the conversation, prompting Gilfilen to distill complex global issues into tangible local impacts.But this episode is not merely a lament; it's a call to action rooted in hope. As they delve into the origins and application of the "Joy Triangle Model," Gilfilen and Ball underscore the profound power of local engagement, authentic leadership, and the conscious pivot from fear-based thinking to regenerative action. They remind us that true change, like law enforcement itself, begins at the local level, where neighbors once helped neighbors and communities cultivated profound care. Through their impassioned dialogue, listeners are left with a renewed sense of possibility: that by understanding and addressing the nuances of a place like Whatcom County, we can indeed change justice, not just for one community, but for all.

In a significant step for the iChange Justice Podcast, Joy Gilfilen announces Karen Ball as a new co-host. This partnership aims to broaden the conversation on social, criminal, and economic justice, using their combined expertise to navigate complex issues and foster civic dialogue.Karen Ball, with master's degrees in criminal justice and extensive experience in restorative justice, conflict resolution, and community organizing (including domestic violence prevention and nuclear weapons abolition), will bring a critical lens to the show. Both Joy and Karen reveal a surprising shared realization that challenges conventional understanding: the justice system, often perceived as a guardian of fairness, is deeply intertwined with an economic problem. They affectionately term the cost-intensive and complex "Prison Industrial Complex" the "Snaggle Tooth Dragon."Their diverse backgrounds – Joy as a "wild and crazy cowgirl" with a knack for problem-solving from farming communities and Karen as an educator rooted in criminal justice and 4-H – provide unique perspectives. They both note that their 4-H experiences instilled a strong work ethic and community focus, albeit from different parts of the country.A core "myth" they aim to bust is the notion of a uniform American justice system. Karen, drawing from her varied experiences, emphasizes that each state's legal system is distinct, and the concept of "We the people has, at this point in history, never meant all of the people." This profound statement highlights historical exclusions based on gender, race, and land ownership, revealing a fundamental "us and them" dynamic embedded in the nation's founding.The podcast will continue to dissect and understand the complex layers of justice, challenging assumptions and providing a platform for nuanced conversations about creating healthier, more equitable communities.

This week, host Joy Gilfilen welcomes special guest Karen Ball for a compelling conversation about taking Intentional Change Action. Specifically, how to effectively confront "empire thinking" and its profound destructive impact on our societies.They dive deep into the historical roots of domination systems, tracing their evolution from feudalism to monopolistic capitalism, and discuss how these ingrained patterns restrict our collective imagination and hinder true "flourishment" for all.Karen shares insights from recent webinars on systemic power imbalances, including the disproportionate influence of billionaires and strategies for challenging such concentrations of power.Joy brings in personal experiences, including a fascinating basketball coaching story, to illustrate how competitive mindsets can permeate and shape our systems, often at the expense of collaboration and holistic well-being. This episode is a vital discussion about shifting from a "divide and conquer" mentality to one that fosters shared growth and authentic human potential.Joy and Karen challenge listeners to consider how we can collectively expand our imagination to build systems that reflect the flourishing patterns found in nature. Tune in to discover: The connection between historical economic systems; current societal challenges; and how "monopolistic capitalism" ripples out to impact various aspects of our lives; and ultimately the subtle ways "domination habits" manifest in everyday structures.This is a call to action for expanding our collective imagination beyond "this is just the way it is." Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion! 

#188-iChange Justice Podcast with Irene Morgan-Investing in Humanity vs. Prisons and PunishmentExposing the shocking truths of how wrongful arrests and clogged court processes ripple out to build more failure; and how we can reduce costs by applying different tools!Join us for an inspiring conversation with Irene Morgan, a true trailblazer, wise elder, and savvy businesswoman!

We're excited to announce an encore airing of our conversation with Irene Morgan, the remarkable 84-year-old founder of the Restorative CommUnity Coalition, originally broadcast on June 2nd! Since 2006, Irene has been a true pioneer and a beacon of wisdom in our community.A great-grandmother and savvy businesswoman, Irene's story is as rich as the history she's lived. In this rerun, she'll share how her family moved from California during World War II to establish a farm on the Northwest Border of the U.S. From running a slaughter-on-the-farm business, she transitioned to counseling, then delved into the non-profit world, passionately studying criminal justice, poverty, and free enterprise. Ultimately, she launched a coaching business dedicated to rebuilding our jail, prison, and public health and safety systems.Irene's foundation was built on farm business, family values, and community peacemaking. Alongside her elder siblings, she learned to champion hard work, fairness, peace, justice, honor, and freedom – all while navigating the complexities of farming, forestry, fishing, indigenous rights, and the profound issues of slavery and immigration during a tumultuous era.A vibrant and active advocate for peace and justice, Irene firmly believes that spending money on bigger prisons, punishment, and privatizing corporations is a "vast sinkhole" for community dollars. Instead, she argues, our funds are far better invested in recovery and community resilience work. Her vision is clear: to re-educate people on how to contribute to a thriving society. Her approach includes rehabilitation, reconstruction, restoring lives, reclaiming freedom, and investing in our families and local communities.They offer alternative pathways like mediation, restorative circles, and community service, helping individuals address root causes and take responsibility for their actions.The Coalition provides vital support to individuals re-entering society after incarceration, assisting with housing, employment, and access to essential services.Irene and the RCC tirelessly advocate for policy reforms that prioritize restorative justice principles and address the systemic inequities that fuel mass incarceration.Don't miss this encore episode with Irene Morgan and learn more about the incredible work of the Restorative CommUnity Coalition!The Restorative CommUnity Coalition works tirelessly to:Divert Individuals from the Traditional Justice SystemSupport Re-entry and RehabilitationAdvocate for Systemic Change

We're excited to bring you an encore presentation of iChange Justice Podcast, Episode #133: "Disconnection from the Natural Cycles of Life."Join your host, Joy Gilfilen, and Karen Ball as they delve into the nature of life in the indigenous world with their special guest, Eveimai Lotori. Eveimai, who is multi-cultural and conducts sacred ceremonies across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, offers a unique perspective on this profound topic.In this powerful discussion, we explore what happened when traditional rites of passage for young people, once deeply tied to the natural cycles of life, transformed into events primarily focused on showcasing young women as potential wives. We also examine how young men were similarly dishonored, and how this shift has since morphed into today's large "coming out" parties, profoundly affecting societal behaviors and creating unexpected ripple effects throughout our communities.Don't miss this insightful encore episode! Tune in locally in Bellingham this Thursday at noon or stream it anytime on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Don't miss this insightful encore episode! Available locally, on Spotify and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Tune in today to the iChange Justice Podcast #185 (Season 4) for an encore of a pivotal Season 3 episode featuring Eric Flores from the Freedom Project. Eric's insights are more relevant than ever as he now serves as our Director of the Restorative Community Coalition (RCC)! We're looking forward to his upcoming interview in this new role. #iChangeJustice #FreedomProject #RCC #CriminalJusticeReform #SecondChances #Season4 #Encore

Rediscover a powerful and insightful conversation in this encore presentation of the iChange Justice Podcast, originally aired as episode #171! Join host Joy Gilfilen as she revisits her interview with the remarkable Roslyn Scheuerman, a lifelong visionary and cognitive social therapist dedicated to tackling some of the world's most pressing issues: world hunger, war, and environmental degradation.Roslyn's extensive experience in fundraising and grant writing has taken her across the globe, most recently supporting those impacted by the California wildfires. A tireless champion for homelessness projects, public safety, prison industry reform, human rights, and individuals affected by violence, poverty, or illness, Roslyn's dedication has touched countless lives. Her journey has spanned diverse organizations, from the World Hunger Project and the Goodwill Games to children's charities, hospitals, and even home renovation.In this compelling episode, Roslyn shares her unique perspective on fundraising, viewing it not as an external skill but as a profound insight gained through deep engagement. She emphasizes the transformative power of "stepping inside the world of asking people to join you in doing good things for others," which leads to a fundamental shift in attitudes and feelings. As a global "lived experience" worker, Roslyn brings clarity and wisdom to complex challenges.   She recounts how a childhood school project with the elderly sparked her lifelong commitment to helping others, a passion that was further ignited by her impactful work with the World Hunger Project. This pivotal experience solidified her unwavering belief in her ability to make a real difference. Roslyn also highlights several vital fundraising programs addressing homelessness and health, including initiatives designed to directly support the podcast's crucial work with incarcerated individuals.   Don't miss this opportunity to revisit Roslyn's inspiring wisdom and learn more about her ongoing projects and an upcoming class with the Restorative Community Coalition, which will also benefit their important work with incarcerated individuals.Tune in to this encore episode and be inspired by Roslyn's insights into the power of asking for help and its connection to what she beautifully describes as "Divine Intelligence."

In light of today's civic conversations about the escalating costs of law and justice to all of us, it's eye-opening to revisit this powerful conversation with host Joy Gilfilen and Thomas C. who makes it real. From his perspective as a long-term prison inmate, Thomas offers a compelling “inside look” at the compounding extraordinary costs and unseen ripple effects to everyone associated with incarceration. And that includes us taxpayers. His 1st hand experience, combined with the wisdom to ask the questions, creates a bridge of understanding for all of us who pay the costs one way or another. There are multiple layers of losses from the families impacted, to the government employees who operate the system, and the list multiplies. What if we could intercept those costs?Originally aired as Episode #139, Thomas recounts his early encounters with law enforcement stemming from a challenging upbringing, then his years of interacting with it over time. It raises critical questions about systems change efforts.He shares his concerns that the focus leans towards the habit of perpetuating and expanding incarceration which causes losses to the people. What if we could invest more in meaningful rehabilitation, education, and the successful reintegration of inmates into their families so they can be contributors to the community?Despite the hurdles he faces, Thomas's dedication to positive change shines through as he describes his efforts to support fellow inmates in overcoming obstacles and preparing for their return as contributing members of society.Don't miss this impactful encore presentation that delves into the human impact of incarceration and advocates for a more rehabilitative approach to justice.

Rebroadcasting a powerful episode! Season 3 -⁠⁠ #149⁠⁠: Blind Spots: Unexpected Findings from Jail Trauma ResearchThe world is changing so fast, and understanding the impact of arrest or trauma on our loved ones is more important than ever. This episode may offer valuable insights. Join host Joy Gilfilen as she dives into her insightful 2018 Ethnographic research report, "Unexpected Findings of Jail Trauma Research." Based on interviews with 79 individuals involved in the criminal justice system (including 53 formerly arrested people and 26 family members, first responders, and employers), Joy explores the profound emotional impact of arrest on all of us.   This crucial discussion delves into the hidden consequences, from the initial arrest to its ripple effects on families and loved ones. The podcast explores how these experiences can mirror symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). Listen to uncover the surprising ways arrest can disrupt lives. Find iChange Justice Podcast Every Thursday at Noon on KOYS-LPFM 94.1 Bellingham and everywhere you get your podcasts.

Don't miss this encore presentation of the iChange Justice Podcast originally aired Season 3. Joy Gilfilen speaks with Darryl Riley of The Up From Slavery Initiative (UFSI). Learn about UFSI's vital work in healing and empowering marginalized communities through racial justice, financial literacy, and wellness. Darryl shares his remarkable story of resilience, going from inmate to owning three businesses and becoming the only Black franchise owner in Kitsap County! Tune in to iChange Justice Podcast every Thursday at Noon on KOYS-LPFM Bellingham and on all podcast platforms.

Dr. Ashok Patel, a pulmonary specialist at Mayo Clinic, shares his insights on the healing power of breath. In this interview with Joy Gilfilen, Patel discusses the importance of conscious living energy and how it can be harnessed to promote peace, meditation, and overall well-being. Beyond his medical practice, Patel is actively involved in international efforts to spread these healing arts through the Rotary Club. His work underscores the sacredness of the breath of life that transforms potential.

Setting the stage for a deep and multifaceted discussion on achieving peace in 2025, this episode blends philosophical ideas about consciousness and reality with practical considerations of societal structures and community action.Joy Gilfilen begins by outlining the podcast's aim to discuss transitions in peace-building and explore alternatives to corporate rule. Eric Thompson delves into a foundational understanding of reality through consciousness, discussing the human disconnect from the natural world and the implications of our destructive actions.The initial segment also explores contrasting views of justice: as a balance of truths versus a dynamic flow between them. This leads to an introduction of consciousness as a fundamental basis for perceiving time, space, and the material world.Featuring Intentional Change Network contributors David McLeod of the Whatcom Transition Town Movement and Bruce Myers, a Public Artist focused on Quantum Place Based Practice.

iChange Justice Podcast launches a series of powerful conversations with visionaries from the Intentional Change Network! Heal your life and kin. Transform your communities. Build powerful teams.Evolve your passions. Create a future rich with vitality and values!Let's embark on this journey together!We are thrilled to introduce our today's amazing panel: Dr. Ashok Patel, a Pulmonary Physician & Rotarian, sharing global wisdom. David McLeod, from Whatcom Transition Town Movement, bringing community resilience. Bruce Myers, a Public Artist, with transformative Quantum Place Based Practice. Kurt Krueger, from PeaceMakers Circle/Network, with 40 years of peacebuilding experience. Joy Gilfilen, your host and founder of the Intentional Change Network! We're here to spark change and create a better world. Let's dive in!

Levy explores how this contagious psycho-spiritual disease of the soul acts like a parasite on the mind. Host Joy Gilfilen, Executive Director of the Restorative CommUnity Coalition, delves deeper, examining how the behavior of leaders in the incarceration industry may intersect with the psychosis Levy describes as "Malignant Egophrenia" (ME), or more colloquially, "Mad Emperor Disease." The discussion highlights how the perceived divisions in our world often mask the presence of wetiko. Levy argues that this mind-virus underlies many of humanity's destructive behaviors, both individual and collective. Drawing on 40 years of experience and study of quantum physics, he explains how wetiko deeply infiltrates our psyches, often undetected. This "blindness" to wetiko empowers it to thrive.In his earlier book, "Dispelling Wetiko: Breaking the Curse of Evil," Levy emphasizes the contagious nature of this emotionally charged virus. He contends that a collective psychosis of immense proportions is currently unfolding on the world stage, driven by wetiko. This ancient concept, known to Native Americans as "wetiko," subtly operates within the unconscious blind spots of the human psyche, blinding individuals to their own madness and driving them to act against their own self-interest. This podcast is a valuable resource for anyone involved in justice, healing, or recovery.

In this lively podcast episode, host Joy Gilfilen has a fascinating conversation with Mel Hoover, who is considered part of the Silent Generation, and shares stories from his life growing up on the East Coast, when Washington Territory was not yet a state.

Host Joy Gilfilen and guest David McLeod discuss the future, and how nature works normally. Then they connect it to civic systems, power dynamics, historical patterns of structured civilization, and the nature of evolving consciousness around the world.   David brings decades of lived experience and wisdom as a leader of the Whatcom Transition Town Movement, studying Pattern Dynamics, Integral Sciences and adds his "Messy Meshwork of MetaMaps in a Matrix" model.  Joy brings her lifetime experience as a Living Potentials Researcher studying the issues of poverty, the cycles of addictions and abuse, and how this all converges with the prison industrial complex, civic and civil systems.  

Philosophical brainstorming explored the crossroads of cultural heritage, education, and societal change. Joseph shared reflections on growing up in Prague, while Mel discussed their diverse American roots. They tackled the impact of history, like the fall of communism, on personal freedom and responsibility.They called for a NEW educational framework that nurtures holistic consciousness. Language and perception were key! They stressed the need for innovative vocabulary to define humanity and connect with nature.America's "melting pot" identity was questioned, urging a reevaluation to embrace multicultural and multigenerational wisdom.Ultimately, they highlighted the transformative power of IDEAS and the importance of CONSCIOUS efforts to drive societal change and envision new realities.

Today we meet Ulf Sandstrum, the founder of the Peaceful Heart Network, an international non-profit focussed on resolving conflicts while helping our world bring hope, happiness, and peace to our children! Joy Gilfilen speaks with him about how looking at our challenges through fresh eyes helps us take faster action. When we see things differently, new solutions have room to emerge!Ulf has worked all over the world from Africa, to Australia, the United States and Canada helping to launch projects that help people recover from trauma, shock and violence. His focus is about helping people heal from family, civic and social conflict, and most importantly to heal the emotional, social, civil, economic as well as physical wounds caused by war, ecological disasters, earth events.Working with the complex nature of compound disasters takes a courageous heart, and a way of seeing that is farsighted and seeks solutions! Ulf's boots on the ground realism, and background as an educator working in complex eco-systems brings great insights and gifts to us all. He has ways of seeing our future through a whole different lens!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Irene Morgan, Founder of the Restorative Community Coalition (RCC)! This episode explores community service and the impact of injustice on our community. From farmer to jail system researcher, Irene shares her journey and the important questions she explored: Why delve into non-profit social services and civic systems? What are the real effects of poverty, arrests, and the courts/financial systems?This episode offers a human perspective on the Whatcom County punishment and incarceration system. Irene highlights the disconnect between the narratives and the realities of misfortune. She sheds light on how the system works (and where it falls short!) from a citizen's perspective. Irene's experience has led to the development of valuable tools, trainings, and manuals for navigating the system, including expungements, reconciling legal/financial obligations, and handling complex cases.

In this episode of the iChange Justice Podcast, Joy Gilfilen interviews Roslyn Scheuerman, a lifelong visionary and cognitive social therapist dedicated to ending world hunger, war, and environmental degradation.  Roslyn's extensive experience includes fundraising and grant writing across the globe, most recently assisting those impacted by the California wildfires. A champion for homelessness projects, public safety, prison industry reform, human rights, and those affected by violence, poverty, or illness, Roslyn's work has touched numerous lives.  Her experience spans diverse organizations, from the World Hunger Project, Goodwill Games, children's charities to hospitals and even home renovation.Roslyn discusses fundraising not as a learned skill from the outside, but as a gift of insight gained through immersion.  She emphasizes that "It takes stepping inside the world of asking people to join you in doing good things for others that attitudes and feelings change." A global "lived experience" worker, Roslyn brings clarity to complex issues.She shares how a childhood school project with the elderly sparked her passion for helping others, which was further ignited by her work with the World Hunger Project. This experience solidified her belief in her ability to make a real difference. Roslyn highlights several fundraising programs addressing homelessness and health, including one that would directly support the podcast's work with incarcerated individuals.Listeners are encouraged to learn more about Roslyn's current projects and an upcoming class with the Restorative Community Coalition, which will also benefit the Restorative Community Coalition's work with incarcerated individuals.

"Where Does the History of Cultural Crisis Start? Mel Hoover joins Joy Gilfilen to discuss the crisis of mutually assured destruction if our leaders don't change course. What is the ancient origin of human-created conflict over money, power, and politics? We sing, dance, and are all extensions of nature at work...so why do we divide ourselves by race, religion, land, and culture?In 2025, we have accelerated the pace towards a species tipping point where our habits of perpetuating historical domination and wars threaten life on this planet. What is the pattern? What will it take to change the course of history?Mel comes to the table with his lived experience of growing up in a truly multicultural family with African, Cherokee, Seminole, Scottish, Irish, French, Jamaican, and English heritage, as well as wealth. How does that affect how he sees history, where we are today, and what it might take to help the next generations live into a happier future? It's up to us to bring the changes.

Krueger's near 80-year journey has taken him into conflict zones

Join Joy Gilfilen in a conversation with Marc Santos, the Founder of NobleGoldman.com as we face the speed of change in a world facing high speed, high volume, and big money change in the midst of chaos, upheaval, war, conflicts and ecological challenges. How do we turn fear into opportunity, liabilities into assets that can be turned around so our children have a healthier world to inherit from our time on earth? Developing the aptitude to notice new ways to see things, and learning how to allow different perspectives to exist while finding new pieces of puzzles into a discussion is a learned skill that is necessary in an increasingly complex environment.

In 2025: How do we bridge the gaps that divide and conquer? Joy Gilfilen brings together Eveimai Lotori, Founder of Beyond Your Impossible with guest Eric Thompson of Universal Foundation for Living Design about the complexities of communicating around the world during a time of great transitions. Our world is facing extreme weather conditions, climate change challenges, human made conflicts, cultural, social, political, emotional and language divides all linked together through a globalized economy. How does this work? How can we separate things into bite-sized pieces so we can focus on small parts, even as we must unite our ideas together to communicate successfully for the benefit of future generations? Joy asked Eveimai to speak about her questions and deep humanitarian work she has been doing as an indigenous voice and dual citizen of Mexico and the United States. Her environment is the whole west coast of the Cascadian Mountain Range, and the Rocky Mountains through Central America. Eric, as a member of the Universal Foundation of Holistic Design was asked to speak from his perspective as an engineer growing up around the US Capitol and Virginia, who travelled to the Alps to study global issues, sustainable and regenerative living from a whole different point of view. Together they talk about real-life by illustrating complexity. Specifically starting the conversation about the variety of educational, experiential and philosophical diversities Our goal is to open the gates to healing our hearts using the BodyMindSpirit metaphor that unites us with our divine intelligence and grounds us to the earth. We begin with the question: how we can build bridges to help each other heal physically, mentally, and spiritually across histories, continents, oceans and wars? This is a complex topic that is tough to unravel in a world that is in turn spinning through an also spinning universe. Go to: UnitingCreatives.com and to BeyondYourImpossible.com and to TheRestorativeCommunity.com for more.

The iChange Justice Podcast features Paul Levy, author of "Wetiko: Healing the Mind-Virus that Plagues Our World." Levy explores how this contagious psycho-spiritual disease of the soul acts like a parasite on the mind. Host Joy Gilfilen, Executive Director of the Restorative CommUnity Coalition, delves deeper, examining how the behavior of leaders in the incarceration industry may intersect with the psychosis Levy describes as "Malignant Egophrenia" (ME), or more colloquially, "Mad Emperor Disease." The discussion highlights how the perceived divisions in our world often mask the presence of wetiko. Levy argues that this mind-virus underlies many of humanity's destructive behaviors, both individual and collective. Drawing on 40 years of experience and study of quantum physics, he explains how wetiko deeply infiltrates our psyches, often undetected. This "blindness" to wetiko empowers it to thrive. In his earlier book, "Dispelling Wetiko: Breaking the Curse of Evil," Levy emphasizes the contagious nature of this emotionally charged virus. He contends that a collective psychosis of immense proportions is currently unfolding on the world stage, driven by wetiko. This ancient concept, known to Native Americans as "wetiko," subtly operates within the unconscious blind spots of the human psyche, blinding individuals to their own madness and driving them to act against their own self-interest. This podcast is a valuable resource for anyone involved in justice, healing, or recovery.

Joy Gilfilen interviews Patricia Anne Davis, a Navajo elder, about her reflections about the business of justice as it relates directly to her study of the Origin and Betrayal Stories of her culture and their language. Her basic analysis of violence, monetary systems, and the jail and justice industries reveals patterns that permeate our worlds. Her research has allowed her to get to the roots of it all so she can tell the stories in a way that enables us all to understand the problems and how we can change the outcomes. Find us on Spotify and everywhere you get your podcasts. Thank you, our local radio station KOYS-LPFM 94.1-Bellingham, for airing our show every Thursday at Noon.

At 84, Irene Morgan, the founder of the Restorative Community Coalition since 2006, is the epitome of a trail-savvy, wise 21st-century elder and businesswoman! Now a great-grandmother, Irene speaks about how her family moved from California in the middle of World War II to pioneer a family farm at the Northwest Border of the U.S. She explains how she moved from a slaughter-on-the-farm business, through being a counselor, then into the world of non-profits and studying the issues of criminal justice, poverty, and free enterprise. Ultimately, she began a coaching business and started working to rebuild our jail, prison, and public health and safety systems. As a foundation, Irene earned her stripes in farm business, with family values and community peacemaking at the center. And, with elder siblings, she cut her teeth learning how to stand up for hard work, fairness, peace, justice, honor, and freedom right in the middle of farming, forestry, fishing, indigenous rights, the issues facing slavery and immigration, during a time of great tumult! A totally vibrant and working activist for peace and justice, Irene is clear that money spent on bigger prisons, punishment, and privatizing corporations is not a solution—it is a vast sinkhole for community dollars. Our money is far better spent doing recovery and community resilience work. Her vision is clear: To spend our money on reeducating people how to be contributory to a living, vital society. Her steps include: rehabilitation, reconstruction, restoring lives, reclaiming freedom, and investing in our families and local communities. The Restorative Community Coalition works to: *Divert individuals from the traditional justice system: By offering alternative pathways to justice, such as mediation, restorative circles, and community service, the RCC helps individuals address the root causes of their actions and take responsibility for their choices. *Support re-entry and rehabilitation: The RCC provides crucial support to individuals re-entering society after incarceration, helping them find housing, employment, and access to essential services. *Advocate for systemic change: Irene and the RCC tirelessly advocate for policy reforms that prioritize restorative justice principles and address the systemic inequities that contribute to mass incarceration.

How does it work to make peace when violence is present? Host Joy Gilfilen asks Kurt Krueger, author of Winning Ways for Living, to talk about the complexities of peacemaking as he has travelled worldwide and experienced many emotionally charged situations. Kurt has travelled from inner cities and schools to boardrooms, from Africa to India and across the US as he has faced conflict and brought calmness and peace into spaces and places by understanding the nature of our human body and how it works.

Bob Trask's prison work transformed lives, but why wasn't it funded? Host Joy Gilfilen talks to Bob about the power of ACTIVE listening and how it builds relationships that last. This heartwarming conversation explores the ARAS Foundation's practices for building connection. Bob explains the cascading impact of acceptance: accepting others where they are leads to respect, which creates space for affection to grow naturally. This foundation allows for genuine support to flourish, creating positive ripples. Bob's message of active participation brings love and light into the world. Get Bob's book "Romancing the Soul" on Amazon! Learn more at BobTrask.com and ArasFoundation.org.

Our 3-year programming anniversary is celebrated with four guests - Ava Sakowski, Colleen Dempster, Mel Hoover, and Irene Morgan talking with Joy Gilfilen, our host, about the range of topics, our learning curve, and some of the exciting things we've learned as we are uncovering how the business of justice really works behind the scenes of the media stories. Ava, originally a social services worker in the 70s, 80s, and 90s discusses the changes in the industry and how her family has been impacted. Irene talks about her learning about how the "system works for the system" and how she has helped hundreds of people recover and change their lives. Mel shares how the Restorative CommUnity Coalition has been digging into the roots of the social issues, and Colleen shares her fresh views and how we can use new technologies to bring solutions to the people in 2025, as we enter our 4th Season!

Humor in today's interview with Ulf Sandstrom, a founder of The Peaceful Heart Network was quite unexpected, as the topic was about First Aid Tools to resolve psychological trauma. In a dialog, host Joy Gilfilen asks Ulf how to help communities and civic leaders reset their mindsets, their behaviors and worldviews after the multiple stressors of elections in the US are rippling around the globe. We dig into the last five years as any community, including hers, has been facing economic, social and civic duress with compound civic domestic violence affecting us as humans. Ulf has lived experience working in 45 countries that have faced human violence, refugee crises, war and many layers of disasters to heal our hearts as we change how we see the experiences.

Atul Deshmane, a businessman, systems engineer, and re-elected official, talks with podcast Host Joy Gilfilen about the issue of digital communications, the speed of change, and how we are doing business around the world today. How has it changed over the past few years, and even just since the elections? Atul speaks to how his experience of talking with people in person, rather than just through electronic media, has changed the nature and quality of his understanding of relationships and human value. He brings together issues related to broadband, digital media, and conserving energy to intersect with how technology has altered how people engage with the world. We discuss how people can feel separated, disconnected, and isolated from why things matter. Conversely, why it matters that we can make a huge difference locally to intentionally change our destiny in the future!

Interviewing Eric Flores, with the Freedom Project in Seattle, WA, presents a new view of how people can change their lives with help, time, and a change in circumstances. Host Joy Gilfilen talks with him about his experience growing up as a teen, living inside the juvenile correctional system, and living in an environment where gangs, drugs, and shootings were common. It was just part of his life and a learned behavior from his surroundings. Eric didn't know another life or way of being until he came to a different state, had different mentors and opportunities, and found a different way of understanding the world. Seeing his children for the first time from inside a prison cell changed him forever. He saw how his decisions were affecting their lives, and he made a commitment to change. Today, Eric has become a mentor and part of the counselor and coaching team to help people reenter the world outside the walls. He has been learning and teaching others how to build bridges to a better life when people are anticipating their release.

Guest Beth Brownfield speaks about the process of her remarkable life over 80 years and how she was shaped as a young person to become the grandmother and civic activist that she is today. Host Joy Gilfilen has been learning from Beth about the Doctrine of Discoveries, the Reservation Schools and how this ties back to her ancestral heritage. Wisdom comes with the lived experience of learning the stories about how three of her Grandmothers were hanged during the Salem Witch Trials; the early military and slavery influences of her family impacted how she engaged in civics, education, business and more. Beth has been significant locally in supporting the Lummi Nation,

On October 25th, President Biden made a significant step towards healing our communities by formally apologizing for the U.S. government's role in the Indian boarding school era. In light of this historic moment, Joy realized that her interview with Patricia Anne Davis earlier this year was perfect to replay. Patricia, an honored Choctaw-Navajo elder, talks about The Betrayal and Origin Story. This powerful matriarch shares her life's work in understanding the prison industrial complex and her insights on justice, violence, and the lasting impact of colonization. She talks about the root causes of systemic failures, and her Five Steps for moving towards a more just future. Listen now on Spotify and other podcast platforms.

#155 iChange Justice Podcast Host: Joy Gilfilen Guest: Loree Boyd, Author and Documentary Filmmaker Join us for a powerful conversation with Loree Boyd as she shares the inspiring story of her mother, Silversong, an American Indian elder. Learn how Silversong's journey intertwines with the legacy of Irene Morgan, the founder of the Restorative CommUnity Coalition. We'll delve into the historical context, exploring the genocide of Native children in Canadian Reservation Schools and how it connects to the Doctrine of Discovery and the formation of the US Constitution. Our Key Topics: The importance of defining terms and understanding ancient and recent history The interconnectedness of events throughout time The significance of the Doctrine of Discovery in shaping our legal framework The value of reading complete books and listening to understand the "law of the land" discussions Don't miss this thought-provoking episode as we explore the profound impact of historical injustices and the ongoing quest for justice and reconciliation.

A Life Experience group conversation on "How to Intercept the Games of Manipulation" that often leave us victimized inside our own self-destructive belief systems, habits and behaviors. . In her groundbreaking work, Joy Gilfilen, former President of the Restorative Community Coalition, sheds light on unwitting, insidious ways in which habits of manipulation and denialism can be seen infiltrating our institutions, commercial and civic systems. It happens across the social, economic and civic spectrum - infecting fear into our media, courts, business, political, and public safety and emergency management systems. Drawing from recordings from 2016, this deep dive into our systems offers a chilling account of how individuals, 1st responders, and families are unknowingly trapped in a cycle of harmful habits and presumptions. Gilfilen introduces the concept of "Story-Traps," these harmful narratives that can lead to a vicious cycle of perpetual loss, recidivism and injustice. One of hidden problems is that often profits are made when our biases, or hidden blind spots are exploited unconsciously. Our beliefs erect blinders that occludes vision, which prevents us from seeing it. Even when our 6th sense, or our intuition is feeling uneasy, or we have a gut feeling that something's not right, we often dismiss these alarms, trusting instead the authority figure.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Liz Darrow, Participatory Democracy Program Coordinator for the non-profit Community to Community Liz Darrow and Host Joy Gilfilen. Liz brings a unique perspective to the discussion as a mother, non-profit leader and with lived experience as a candidate for public office. She has become a passionate advocate for taking care of our earth, for farmworkers , families and community empowerment. Learn about Liz's background and her work with Community to Community. Discover the challenges faced by farmworkers and the importance of advocating for their rights. Explore Liz's vision for a more equitable food system and the role of community involvement. Gain insights into the power of community organizing and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for decision-making.

In this episode, Joy Gilfilen interviews Darryl Riley, the co-founder of The Up From Slavery Initiative (UFSI). Riley shares his insights on the importance of healing marginalized communities and the work UFSI is doing to achieve this goal. UFSI is dedicated to providing support and resources to Black communities through inspiring enterprising actions.

In this episode, host Joy Gilfilen sits down with Mel Hoover and Rose Edington, two lifelong activists who have been at the forefront of social change for decades. Raised during a time of profound unrest following World Wars, they experienced firsthand the struggles of segregation, women's suffrage, the ERA, the Civil Rights Era, and religious upheavals. Join us as Mel and Rose share their unique perspectives on activism and their unwavering commitment to building "beloved communities." Discover how their experiences have shaped their understanding of social justice and inspired them to challenge the status quo. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from these remarkable individuals and gain valuable insights into the ongoing fight for equality and justice.