Reachin'

West Michigan Nice is a phenomenon that has intrigued people in this region - and beyond - for decades. In 2016, Oprah Winfrey herself visited Grand Rapids to engage in a dialogue with West Michigan residents about WMN and our community's deep political divide. While the concept of West Michigan Nice… this special brand of niceness that this community portrays, may seem pretty straightforward and harmless at first glance…. in this episode, we unpack the roots of this cultural problem and uplift the narrative justice work that will transform community and move the Black freedom struggle, and other freedom struggles, forward. In this episode, you will hear a conversation between Shayna Marie and Rodney Brown, president of Grand Rapids Media Initiative & Film Incubator. GR-MiFi is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing racial equity through narrative justice. By the end of this episode, you will hear historical context about how we developed this “WMN” culture through the lens of a powerful narrative called “A City Within A City” by Todd E. Robinson.Thank you for shifting the narrative and reaching beyond bias!For more information visit: https://linktr.ee/reachingbeyondbias

In episode 2 of Uncovering Identity, Shayna Marie, Alena Visnovsky and Iliana Argueta debrief the Privilege Bead activity that was part of the Uncovering Identity Workshop. To check out the official Uncovering Identity Syllabus, visit: https://linktr.ee/uncoveringidentityGRCC

Shayna Marie, Alena Visnovsky, and Iliana Argueta are students in the GRCC Honors Program. For our capstone project, we decided to tackle identity, bias, and privilege and how that shows up in the student experience. We created a multimedia resource for students, faculty, and the community to learn more about these topics. Find that resource here: https://linktr.ee/uncoveringidentityGRCC

In a rich discussion with Grand Rapids Media Initiative and Film Incubator's founders, Rodney Brown and Jazmyne Fuentes, Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the importance of incubating BIPOC media talent, and how to "move the work" of equity in a city like Grand Rapids.  This episode was recorded at GR-MiFi's new headquarters at the Wealthy Theatre Annex - be sure to check out their Open House on Saturday, January 29th between 2pm and 6pm!

In this episode, Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley explore the importance of knowing our roots and family history. We also talk about recent events, including The Freed Peoples' monthly teach-in, the Mystic Market by The Wild Wonder, and a Dia de los Muertos event. How important is it for you to know your ROOTS?

During this episode, Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley unpack the issues of immigration in the United States and its underlying themes. From white supremacy, corruption within CPB ,and all of the politicized BS, there are many nuances regarding this topic. However, one thing is very clear: no human being is "illegal." People, regardless of their "status" should be treated with dignity and respect. 

In this episode, Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley share personal stories about this season of change and transition. We talk about how we keep ourselves productive and how we manage seasonal depression, holiday season and more. We needed a bit of a break from all of the chaos in the world and reminded ourselves that it's okay to prioritize our well-being first. Saying "no" doesn't always mean that you're selfish!

In this episode, Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley discuss a very important topic: access to abortion, and of course, we had to let some legislators know that #TheyReachin! This episode is full of tidbits, personal experiences and makes for one raw, relatable dialogue that you don't want to miss! 

In this episode, Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley recap some recent events, including the Freed Peoples' August teach-in where Shayna presented some of her research on "West Michigan Nice" and racism in Grand Rapids, MI. We also discuss some of our favorite organizations like 616 Records & The Diatribe Inc. Tap in, and be sure to subscribe, share and review!

Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley give some heat about some recent, problematic comments made about the LGBTQ+ community. This episode, we unpack toxic masculinity, homophobia and cancel culture and explain why ALL Black Lives Matter.. not just the ones that fit into a box. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!Also, follow our social media pages to stay in the loop about events in Grand Rapids. linktr.ee/youreachin

We start Season 2 with some HEAT by addressing what we mean when we say "Karens." We give some historical context behind the term, some modern examples, and why you don't want to be compared to the likes of a "Karen." Don't worry, no Karens were harmed in the making of this episode. And if you're wondering whether or not you're a Karen, we include plenty of strategies for how you can be a better ally.

Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley give a recap of season 1 after a much-needed hiatus. Additionally, they discuss what's been going on in Grand Rapids, including an... interesting City Commissioner meeting and the incredible #49507 Project by The Diatribe. What's in store for next season? Find out now.

Tap tap tap in -- because 2021 has been .... we don't even know how to describe it.This week, hosts Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley talk about some of 2021's ridiculousness like cheaters, racists, and an explosive City Commissioner meeting in Grand Rapids, MI. This week we are wondering... what can we do to bridge those gaps amongst people of color from all generations that want change?

Join us as we dissect the question: can you be pro-black and bi-racial? Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley share their experiences as bi-racial women and how this has effected their world-view and experiences.

You know what is radical? Self love, healthy relationships and boundaries! This week, hosts Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley discuss love languages and how they may be subject to change. Don't forget to visit www.reachingbeyondbias.org/podcast to get access to our Cheat Sheet for episodes 1-6. Each Cheat Sheet is full of resources and tools to help you practice #ReachingBeyondBias. Find us on Facebook and Clubhouse at You Reachin' and find us on IG and Twitter @youreachinAnd make sure you tune in every other Friday (Starting March 5th) for our Late Night Special - exclusively on Clubhouse at 7pm EST. New episodes air on the alternating Fridays. Thank you for your continued support. For any questions contact info@reachingbeyondbias.org

Not only do Black Lives Matter..... BLACK VOICES do too!In part 2, hosts Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley talk about Grand Rapids Michigan and its influence in the Civil Rights Movement. We also discuss the book A City Within A City by Todd E. Robinson, the KKK and its historical presence in Grand Rapids, and how we can use our platform to seriously address the continuing effects of racial discrimination and de facto segregation in the city.We also give a shoutout to the Grand Rapids Public Library and their "Community Conversation" about A City Within A City which is happening on February 24th at 6:30pm EST. Visit www.reachingbeyondbias.org/podcast to sign up for our Cheat Sheet -- your sneak peak into each episode. Every Cheat Sheet is full of references, additional content, opportunities, shoutouts and more!Find us @YouReachin on IG and Twitter and You Reachin on Facebook and Clubhouse!Stay tuned for Reachin': The Late Night Special every other Friday starting on March 5th on Clubhouse. Join our club, You Reachin, to be a part of the dialogue -- we love to engage with our audience and to hear your thoughts on the various topics discussed. For more information or to contact us for promo and collaboration email info@reachingbeyondbias.org

Not only do Black Lives Matter..... BLACK VOICES do too!This week, hosts Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley talked about "the race issue" in West Michigan and what it means to be "West Michigan nice." In addition, we discuss how the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and far too many more have sparked controversy, activism, and some interesting outcomes for Grand Rapids. Plus, we talk about some of our favorite inauguration moments.Make sure you grab the Cheat Sheet by visiting www.reachingbeyondbias.org/podcast and signing up!This week's Cheat Sheet has TONS of references and resources, and we give a special shoutout to some of the artists whose voices were silenced during the Windows GR project that resulted from the riots downtown. Be sure to check out the shoutout page and give them a follow! Next episode: we will deep dive into some of Grand Rapids' history of protests and more!

Sometimes we get so lost in the world that we forget to take care of ourselves. This week, hosts Shayna Marie and Mariah Ashley are discussing mental health and self care. We also talk about disparities, stigma, and how YOU  can make a difference. Visit www.reachingbeyondbias.org/podcast & please sign up for FREE access to the Episode 4 Cheat Sheet today!Each episode Cheat Sheet is full of content and opportunities relevant to each episode. This tool is: highly interactive, engaging, and informative a chance for you to show support for our platform and future projects100% FREE to our audienceSign up now and remember to click around and have fun! We have loaded it with so many great, hand-picked items just for YOU! This week, pay special attention to pages 7 and 8 which include mental health resources and some of our favorite self-care tidbits.

Join us as we discuss manifestation -- is it real? Is it a bunch of BS? What's the secret sauce? What should manifesters be weary of? We also discuss the new movie Soul -- is it problematic? Or is that a reach? Don't forget to sign up for our Cheat Sheet at www.reachingbeyondbias.org/podcast. It is an interactive tool full of information, resources, shoutouts and more-- we event made a 2020 Do-Over Spotify playlist just for you! Click around and have fun with it!

Join hosts Shayna Marie & Mariah Ashley as we have raw, relatable dialogue about unconscious bias, microaggressions, and how to be Anti-Racist this Holiday Season. Want to join the conversation? Follow us @YouReachin on Instagram and Twitter and visit www.reachingbeyondbias.org for more resources!

Allows us to introduce ourselves...We developed Reachin' as a platform dedicated to raising awareness on various diversity concepts. We will be hosting raw, relatable dialogues around topics such as unconscious bias, cancel culture, and world events. It is our intention to use story telling and sharing experiences as a way of connecting and celebrating diversity in our community, but also as a means of expressing our unedited thoughts on issues that effect all of our lives. We belief it is the multiculturalism of our world that makes it beautiful, and we are excited to begin this journey with you all!