Permission to BE

Becka, Tommy, and Olivia welcome back to the podcast, author, speaker, and founder of Check Your Privilege, Myisha T Hill. Their conversation is full of laughter, wisdom, and insights on Myisha's last work, Heal Your Way Forward: The Co-Conspirator's Guide to an Antiracist Future. https://www.myishathill.com For more information on this episode and the show notes please visit: PermissionToBePodcast.com

Tommy and Becka are joined by Dr. Robyn Henderson Espinoza and Rev. Anna Golladay for Permission To Be's very first LIVE and collaborative podcast.  Their conversation envelops embodiment, presence, and Dr. Robyn's latest book, Body Becoming: A Path to Liberation. This conversation is also the final episode in the PTB current series of conversations, “The Moment of Now.” Petty Thieves Brewery graciously hosted our first live event, which is owned by our dear friend Ted Rosenau, thank you Ted. The PTB Team would also like thank and acknowledge Desmond Smith for running sound for this special live recording. For more information on this episode and the show notes please visit: PermissionToBePodcast.com   *Gideon's Army, Nashville, TN *Feed the Movement, Charlotte, NC

Tommy, Olivia, and Becka welcome back writer, musician, and artivist, Andre Henry, to the Permission To Be Podcast. This special edition of the PTB Podcast is filled with deep knowledge on the necessity of unity, conversation about Andre's latest book, "All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep", and an abundance of joy and laughter. You will also have the opportunity to experience music and lyrics written by Andre Henry throughout the episode. To download Andre's songs that were shared in episode, listen to additional music by Andre Henry, and to support his music go to Andrehenrymusic.bandcamp.com Join the PTB Community on Patreon by clicking here. For this Episodes show notes click here.

Welcome to the second conversation in our series, "The Moment of Now." Happy Pride Month and Juneteenth! In this episode Tommy, Olivia and Becka talk with Dr. Obery Hendricks. This conversation helps to challenge us as we think about the "Left" and the "Right," as we use these terms to stake out political sides, what are we signaling? What does this mean within spiritual communities? "Obery Hendricks is one of the foremost commentators on the intersection of religion and political economy in America. He is the most widely read and perhaps the most influential African American biblical scholar writing today. Cornel West calls him “one of the last few grand prophetic intellectuals.” If you would like to learn more in community and/or help support the creation of the Permission To Be Podcast please go to https://www.patreon.com/tommyallgood For this episodes show notes and to learn more about Dr. Obery Hendricks go to PermissionToBePodcast.com

Dr. Amy Kenny joins Tommy, Olivia, and Becka for a conversation about Disability Justice and Amy's brand new book, My Body Is Not A Prayer Request. Dr. Amy Kenny is a disabled scholar and a Shakespeare Lecturer who hates Hamlet. Her work has been featured in Teen Vogue, The Mighty, and Roxane Gay's The Audacity. Her book, "My Body is Not a Prayer Request," was recently released on May 17, 2022. For this episodes show notes and to learn more about Dr. Amy Kenny's work please go to PermissionToBePodcast.com

Dr. Christena Cleveland joins Tommy, Olivia, and Becka for a conversation centered around her past and current healing journey guided by the Sacred Black Feminine.  During their conversation Dr. Cleveland also talks about her new book, "God is A Black Woman." For this episode's show notes and to learn more about the work Dr. Christena Cleveland is doing, go to  PermisisonToBePodcast.com

Join Tommy, Olivia, and Becka for part two of their conversation with Lisa Sharon Harper as they look at the significance and impact of rerooting ourselves within our peoples' story. Lisa's newly released book is, Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World--and How to Repair It All. For this episode's show notes and to learn more about the work Lisa Sharon Harper is doing, go to  PermisisonToBePodcast.com

Tommy, Olivia, and Becka are joined by Lisa Sharon Harper for a conversation centered around generational trauma, a journey towards healing, and Lisa's newly released book, Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and the World--and How to Repair It All. For this episodes show notes and to learn more about the work Lisa Sharon Harper is doing, go to  PermisisonToBePodcast.com

“I think it is important for us to exam how our fatigue is both the signal that something has not been working and also the thing that might at sometimes get in the way of us getting in the connection that we need, I think it works in both directions.”  - Dr. Hillary L. McBride Dr. Hillary L. McBride is a therapist, researcher, speaker and writer. She loves to help see people grow, heal, change, and come into more fullness in themselves and their relationships. She is passionate about the well-being of all people, and wants to make psychology and academic research accessible to a wide variety of people. Dr. McBride joins Tommy, Olivia, and Becka for the first episode of the new year and season four of the Permission To Be Podcast. Click here to learn more about the upcoming PTB Book Club and for this episodes show notes.

Join us for our final episode of Season 3! Constanza Eliana Chinea joins Tommy, Olivia and Becka for an insightful and educational conversation around the differences and similarities that exist in the social justice work of decolonization and anti-racism. Constanza Eliana is an anti-racism educator, activist, consultant, and certified yoga teacher. Learn More about Thrive by clicking here. For this episodes show notes click here.

Join Olivia Bethea and Becka Eppley for their conversation with world renowned author, Laura Davis. This heart felt conversation is centered around Laura's brand new book, The Burning Light of Two Stars.  In her latest book Laura weaves non-fiction and memoir together as she conveys her powerful mother-daughter story.  Laura's insight will give you a deeper appreciation of the importance of learning the details about the stories we tell ourselves from our childhood memories. For this episodes show notes and to connect with Laura go to PermisisonToBePodcast.com Lauradavis.net

Join Tommy, Olivia, Becka for part two of their conversation with Bob Hunter. In this episode they talk about the roots of the anti-abortion movement, political and church leadership, and welcoming our LGBTQIA2S+ family. They also talk about the powerful forces of deception that have been woven into supremacy culture worldwide. For this episodes show notes and for more information on the work Bob participates in: PermisisonToBEPodcast.com

Join Tommy, Becka and Olivia for part one of their conversation with Bob Hunter as they discuss the importance of knowing our (United States) foundations. "What is happening now is not new." - Bob Hunter "Bob is the Co-Author of Loving Justice, InterVarsity Press, 1990 and Co-editor of Yearning to Breathe Free: Liberation Theologies in the United States, Orbis Press, 1990.  He has twice won the Frieda Dawkins award for his work in Civil and Human rights." For this episodes show notes and for more information on the work Bob participates in: PermisisonToBEPodcast.com

Join Olivia Bethea, Becka Eppley, and Tommy Allgood for their conversation with Jennifer Kinney, as they discuss historical times of reconstruction and the cycles of backlash that follow (I.e. the Civil Rights Movement). They also talk about Critical Race Theory and how it is being used as a tool of distraction from justice work. For this episodes show notes and for more information on the work Jenn participates in: PermisisonToBEPodcast.com  

Join Olivia Bethea and Becka Eppley for a conversation with Gigi Khanyezi. Gigi is an artist, activist, speaker and writer. Gigi creates scared safe spaces through coaching and teaching, "Jesus and Justice." Gigi regular leads small cohorts that are intentionally curated through a 10 week Jesus and Justice community experience. The next session starts Monday, July 19th, a few spots are still available, go here for more information: ​ For this episodes show notes and more information on the work Gigi does: PermisisonToBEPodcast.com

Join Olivia Bethea and Becka Eppley for a conversation with their good friends, Kris Dobek and Tommy Allgood (also a Permission To BE co-host). Kris and Tommy share about their relationship, talk about gender and sexual identities, fat phobia, and the importance of truly falling in love with yourself. To learn more about Kris and Tommy and for this episodes show notes please go to PermissionToBePodcast.com

"Existing in the liminal space of no longer and not yet." - Olivia Bethea We are thrilled to introduce Olivia Bethea as a new co-host on the Permission To BE podcast! "Olivia Bethea is a student, a writer, a work in progress.  She is a former Human Resources professional who made the decision last year to transition from the profession upon which she’d built her career to a pursuit of an untapped and unexplored passion that had been lying dormant within her." To learn more about Olivia and for this episodes show notes please go to PermissionToBePodcast.com

Join Tommy Allgood and Becka Eppley for their conversation with Joquina Reed. Joquina is a "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practitioner. She is also the creator and curator behind the social media platforms, The AntiBlackness Reader Project and Divesting From Whiteness.  For this Episodes Show Notes and to connect with Joquina click here. “I tell people with all violent systems, whether we are talking abut heteronormativity, whether we are talking about anti-blackness, whatever the violent system is, all the people involved in it are harmed, and whiteness is so harmful to white people."      - Joquina Reed

Join Becka and Tommy for their conversation with friend, teacher, speaker, singer-songwriter, and psychotherapist, Gabes Torres. "Gabes life’s work is to demonstrate how there’s nothing “post-” about post-colonialism. She studies and teaches how oppression continues to dominate and manifest in our systems, society, inter- + intrapersonal relationships, imaginations, and human psyché." For show notes and to learn more about Gabes work go to Permissiontobepodcast.com

Join Becka and Tommy for their 2 part conversation with Vicki Fanibi. Vicki shares about the realities of Urban planning and what steps are truly needed to make equity a reality in urban housing. ​In part two Vicki shares about community engagement and avenues that you, as the listener, can seek out to get involved in, in your local community. In addition to community involvement, Tommy and Becka talk with Vicki about what part the church can play and does play in our beliefs about the communities that we occupy. CLICK HERE  for this episode's show notes.

Join Becka Eppley and Tommy Allgood for their conversation with Myisha T Hill - founder and creator of Check Your Privilege. This episode is full of joyful laughter and wisdom that will encourage and help guide you on your anti-racism journey. (Please note that this episode is marked explicit.) If you are not yet familiar with Myisha’s work, she is a guide, mental health activist, anti-racism educator, mom, and author. Check Your Privilege is a  “global movement that supports individuals on their journey of becoming actively anti-racist.” CLICK HERE  for this episode's show notes.

Join Tommy, Becka, and David as they kick off Season 3 of the Permission To BE podcast with a 50th episode celebration and conversation around the question, "Is Everything Political?". CLICK HERE  for this episode's show notes.    

Join Tommy and Becka for part two of their conversation with Ray McKinnon as they talk about advocating for equity, gaslighting the oppressed, and mercy for all. CLICK HERE to learn more about Ray and for this episode's show notes. To learn more about Speaking of Racism click here.

Join Tommy and Becka for the first part of their two part conversation with Ray McKinnon. Ray is a husband, dad, consultant, minister, and Housing Commissioner for Mecklenburg Country in Charlotte, North Carolina. Ray serves as a DNC Member representing the state of North Carolina and is Co-Chair of North Carolina Progressives for Biden. CLICK HERE to learn more about Ray and for this episode's show notes.  

"Everything is connected. History is much more than dates and times. Being antiracist is not a destination, but a journey." - Lettie Shumate​Lettie Shumate is an anti-racism educator, historian, speaker, and host of the Sincerely, Lettie Podcast. Join Becka, Tommy, and Lettie for the second part of their two part conversation on the untold history of the United Sates, white supremacy, anti-racism, and more.Support the work Lettie is doing: https://www.patreon.com/lettieshumateCLICK HERE to learn more about Lettie and for this episode's show notes.

Lettie Shumate is an anti-racism educator, historian, speaker, and host of the Sincerely, Lettie Podcast. Join Becka, Tommy, and Lettie for part one of their two part conversation on the untold history of the United Sates, white supremacy, anti-racism, and more.​Support the work Lettie is doing: https://www.patreon.com/lettieshumateCLICK HERE to learn more about Lettie and for this episode's show notes.

Join Becka and Tommy as they continue their conversation with Cedric Lundy, examining some of the many systemic narratives that continue to perpetuate racism. CLICK HERE to learn more about Cedric and for this episode's show notes. *Please note that this episode has some graphic content in regards to police brutality on Black lives.

Join Becka and Tommy for part one of their conversation with anti-racism educator, speaker, and fellow podcaster, Cedric Lundy.  *Please note this episode contains discussions that may not be appropriate for younger audiences. CLICK HERE to learn more about Cedric and for this episode's show notes.  

Join Becka and Tommy as they talk with Soul about his work as an anti-racism educator within the dance community. Soul shares about his journey in lifting the veil of racism and working to shine light on the appropriation of Black Art. CLICK HERE to learn more about Ally and for this episode's show notes.

Join Becka Eppley and Tommy Allgood for part two of their conversation with Ally Henny. In this episode Ally talk's about how the focus on personal freedoms, in the United States, is being used as a distraction from real issues such as systematic racism, Black Lives, and much more.   CLICK HERE to learn more about Ally and for this episode's show notes.

Join Becka Eppley and Tommy Allgood for part one of their two part conversation with Ally Henny. Ally Henny is a writer, speaker, and podcaster (Combing The Roots). She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Missouri State University and recently completed a Master of Divinity Degree from Fuller Theological Seminary, with an emphasis in Race, Cultural Identity, and Reconciliation. CLICK HERE to learn more about Ally Henny and for this episode's show notes.

Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza joins Tommy and Becka for a conversation on how heteronormatives perpetuate the supremacy narrative, the dominate culture within the Marriage Equality Movement, and the necessity of having a radical imagination when seeking racial justice. Dr. Robyn Henderson-Espinoza is an Activist Theologian, Transqueer Latinx Scholar, ethicist, speaker, and author.  CLICK HERE to find out more about Dr. Robyn and for this episode's show notes.

Erin joins Becka Eppley and Tommy Allgood for part two of their conversation on Somatics and how it is an essential part of Activist Theology. CLICK HERE to find out more about Erin and for this episode's show notes.

"Erin Law is a somatic movement educator, politicized healer, and multidisciplinary artist based in the southern US." Erin joins Becka Eppley and Tommy Allgood for a conversation on Somatics and how it truly walks hand in hand with racial justice. CLICK HERE to find out more about Erin and for this episode's show notes.

Andre Henry is an anti-racism educator, writer, speaker, podcaster, and musician. Join Tommy Allgood and Becka Eppley for part two of their conversation with Andre Henry. CLICK HERE to find out more about Andre Henry and for this episode's show notes.

Andre Henry is an anti-racism educator, writer, speaker, podcaster, and musician.  Join Tommy Allgood and Becka Eppley for part one of their two part conversation with Andre Henry. CLICK HERE to find out more about Andre Henry and for this episode's show notes.

Join Tommy Allgood and Becka Eppley for part two of their converstion with Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes. Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a Clincal Psychologist, a Scholar, a Public Theologian, a Minister (Womanist Theology), an Author, and Professor at Mercer University. If you have not had a chance, go back and listen to part one first! CLICK HERE to find out more about Dr. Chanequa and for this episode's show notes.

Join Tommy Allgood and Becka Eppley for their converstion with Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes, as they talk about negotiating safety, StrongBlackWomen, and the White Gaze.  Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a Clincal Psychologist, a Scholar, a Public Theologian, a Minister (Womanist Theology), an Author, and Professor at Mercer University. This is part one of a two part conversation that you don't want to miss! CLICK HERE to find out more about Dr. Chanequa and for this episode's show notes.

Join Becka and Tommy as they talk with Kaitlin Curtice about colonization, the progressive church, and how her new book, Native, invites you into a space that will deepen your understanding of humanity. CLICK HERE to find out more about Kaitlin and for this episode's show notes.

"I believe that if we are not careful we will assume that we have been inclusive and that we are being diverse.”- Corey Gaston Join Becka and Tommy for part two of their conversation with Corey Gaston. CLICK HERE to find out more about Corey and for this episode's show notes.  

Join Becka Eppley and Tommy Allgood for part one of their conversation with Corey Gaston, a local Charlotte leader and educator. Corey's work focuses on proximity, looking at... "the relationships that do or do not exist and some thoughts that may help bring you closer to others within your community, churches, neighborhoods, civic organizations, etc.." CLICK HERE to find out more about Corey and for this episode's show notes.

 "Do we believe we have worth? Do we believe we deserve to be free?"- Tina Strawn Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with Tina Strawn. We talk about the unraveling of life and the hope to be discovered when we open up to receive the humanity in others. CLICK HERE to find out more about Tina and for this episode's show notes.

Our conversation with Tina truly encompasses the heart of the Permission to BE Podcast. Join us for part one, Living Free, as we talk about fundementalism, ex-wife grief, and Covid-19.  CLICK HERE to find out more about Tina and for this episode's show notes.

What do Christianity and Queerness have to say to each other? Join Becka and David for this thought proking conversation with theologian and author, Linn Marie Tonstad. CLICK HERE to find out more about Linn and for this episode's show notes.

Part two of Becka and Tommy's converstation with Corey Leak deep dives into equity, the realities of white saviorism, and how we are choosing to show up in the world. CLICK HERE to find out more about Corey and for this episode's show notes. *Links mentioned in this Episode: Legacy Trips - Tina Strawn White Homework - Tori Williams Dougless

Corey is a writer, artist, and gifted communicator. Join Becka, Tommy and Corey for part one of "Hope In The Age of Empire" CLICK HERE to find out more about Corey and for this episode's show notes.

Bree Stallings uses her art as a vehicle to raise "awareness for many causes that affect her life and those closest to her such as economic mobility, sexual health advocacy, displacement and homelessness and environmental consciousness." Tobeseenandcelebrated.com  Click here to find out more about Bree and for this episode's show notes.

Join Becka and Tommy as they talk with Dr. Hillary McBride about the effects of disembodiment and oppression on our everyday lives. "It's the task of adulthood to understand where we have come from." - Hillary McBride.  Click here to find out more about Hillary and for this episode's show notes.

We are kicking off the new year with a candid conversation about racism, rooting out whiteness and sugarcoating. Join Becka and new co-host Tommy Algood as they talk openly about their friendship and what lead Tommy to join the Permission to BE podcast.  Click here to find out more about Tommy and for this episode's show notes.

“The function of a belief in a persons life is often radically different than the nature of the belief or the content of the belief.” - Doug Pagitt "Doug Pagitt is an American author, pastor, social activist and executive director of Vote Common Good. A leading voice for progressive Christianity, Doug makes frequent national media and speaking appearances. His new book, Outdoing Jesus, is available now from Eerdmans Publishing." Click here to find out more about Doug and for this episode's show notes.

“There is privilege in being able to talk about self-care. There is privilege in talking about gratefulness" - Sarah Heath Join host Becka Eppley and guest Reverend Sarah Heath for a conversation on vulnerability, ageism,  authenticity and so much more. Click here to find out more about Sarah and for this episode's show notes.