The Palo Santo & Thoughts Podcast

In the thirteenth episode of Season Two, Carter is joined by one of the homies, Aaron. Tune in as they talk about God being the perfect love practitioner, how we must constantly seek out love, and the importance of being clear about what love is and what love will require of us. When we accept that we're imperfect love practitioners and receivers of love—it allows us to see the same in others. We push past our own understanding to acknowledge there's so much more to learn and do. It's not a journey we have to do alone. It's a collaborative process with those around us, self and God. A reminder that emotional safety is important and sometimes we must go beyond our level of comfort or familiarity—and be brave. Love is a risk and the rewards can be endless when we put consistent effort in and operate from a place of humility. Love is work. 

In the twelfth episode of Season Two, CARTER is joined by one of the homies, Nate. Tune in as they talk about God's love through and beyond adversity, acknowledging the hurt, and the importance of men creating safe spaces with one another. Even in our most challenging times, love is still accessible to us through God and our community of support. Love soothes us and offers us a lens to see the possibilities while acknowledging our hurt. Possibilities to help others, possibilities to heal, possibilities to evolve. Growth enhances love. Committing to ones' growth is one of the greatest expression of love to self and others. Love is growth.

In the eleventh episode of Season Two, CARTER is joined by one of the homies, Marili. Tune in as they talk about honoring what your body needs, offering compassion towards self, and identifying practices and rituals that enhance your well-being. It easy to forget the progress we've made on the journey or how much the journey has demanded from us. A reminder to celebrate the progress, the process, and one's commitment to being a better lover to self and others. That type of kindness heals us and sustains us. Love is tender.

In the tenth episode of Season Two, CARTER is joined by one of the homies, Zeina. Tune in as they talk about the love languages, how communication enhances our relationships, and the importance of doing the work. The work allows for us to see ourselves and support others to see us. As we do the work, we learn about practices that keep us grounded. The newness of what we learn and how we bring our loved ones along can create deeper connections. Love requires humility to learn and teach, curiosity to understand, and courage to be vulnerable. Our willingness to move past the perceived risk and fear that comes with love can change our lives. Love is vulnerability.

In the ninth episode of Season Two, CARTER is joined by one of the homies, Quentin (Q). Tune in as they talk about slowing down, unconditionality, and the importance of being present as we go through the process of love and healing. We need spaces where we're seen, valued and there's a shared commitment to supporting one another. Support build on mutuality and compassion. And when we're off track, support is the love that guides us back to where we want to be. Love is accountability.

In the eighth episode of Season Two, CARTER is joined by one of the homies, Reggie. Tune in as they talk about how family dynamics influences our relationships, the beauty of friendship within romantic relationships, and the importance of recognition. When we recognize our loved ones, we listen and we take action to let them know we see them. Whether it's the big acts or little acts, they all matter. A reminder that effort with intentions guides us to a closer bond with one another. Over time we get to be seen and see others. Love is attunement.

In the seventh episode of Season Two, CARTER is joined by one of the homies, Sheakira. Tune in as they talk about the importance unlearning our beliefs about love that don't serve us, the process for examining and creating new beliefs, and how that shift can positivity impact our relationships with loved ones. Love can be soft even when there are moments of challenge and tension. A reminder that love truly thrives when we prioritize and cultivate safety within our relationship. We deserve to feel safe and make space for others to feel safe as well. Love is gentle.

In the sixth episode of Season Two, CARTER is joined by one of the homies, Alex. Tune in as they talk about the importance of honoring what we have the capacity for, leading with intentionality when meeting new people, and what it looks like for our community to show up for us. We can give so much to our community and we're worthy of receiving the love from our community as well. A reminder that the more we create spaces for others to show up for us, the more we're able to witness how loved we are. Love is support.

In the fifth episode of Season Two, CARTER is joined by one of the homies, Aaliyah. Tune in as they talk about the importance of being fully seen, discipline as an act of self- love, and how tough conversations brings us closer. We're all constantly evolving and our understanding and expression of love changes as well. A reminder that love can change and by doing so—change us.Love is ever-changing.

In the fourth episode of Season Two, the homie Jas (@jasthesextherapist) pulls up again for Part Two with CARTER. Tune in as they talk about cynicism, the importance of checking in with self and those around us, and learning about ourselves and our bodies. A reminder to prioritize joy through pleasure and play as a way to love ourselves and free ourselves. Love is liberatory. 

In the third episode of Season Two, CARTER is joined by the big homies, his parents. Tune in as they talk about parenthood, self-love, and how spiritual practices have allowed for them to witness and share love. A reminder that we can allow love to move through us and by doing so—love others. Love is service.

In the second episode of Season Two, CARTER is joined by one of the homies, Omari. Tune in as they talk about what love demands, the importance of loving first, honesty, and acknowledging our loved ones' growth. We all have so much to learn. A reminder that each day we get to choose love. Love is a choice.

In the first episode of Season Two, CARTER is joined by one of his homies, Jas (@jasthesextherapist). Tune in as they talk about love, the importance of grieving and reflecting once a relationship is complete. A reminder that we're capable of receiving love and offering love in different ways--from and to different people. Love is expansive.

By accepting love as our chosen destiny, we accept the responsibility to nurture our spiritual self and those around us—ensuring everyone has access to an earthly paradise that will change our lives.  Join CARTER as he talks about the final chapter of "all about love: NEW VISONS" by bell hooks entitled DESTINY: WHEN ANGELS SPEAK OF LOVE.

By holding the responsibility of growth, we are able to meet the demands required on our healing journey—a journey that allows us to grow in love. Join CARTER as he talks about the twelfth chapter of “all about love: NEW VISIONS” by bell hooks entitled HEALING: REDEMPTIVE LOVE.

By committing to love, we understand that our love continues beyond death. Join CARTER as he talks about the eleventh chapter of "all about love: NEW VISIONS" by bell hooks entitled LOSS: LOVING INTO LIFE AND DEATH.

By bringing intention and effort to romantic relationships, we commit to a love that will truly change us—making our return to love that much sweeter. Join CARTER as he talks about the tenth chapter of "all about love: NEW VISIONS" by bell hooks entitled ROMANCE: SWEET LOVE.

By practicing mutuality, we commit to a giving ideology that enhances our relationship with self and those around us. Join CARTER as he talks about the ninth chapter of "all about love: NEW VISIONS" by bell hooks entitled MUTUALITY: THE HEART OF LOVE.

By being in community, we each share the responsibility that is required of love— to sacrifice for and contribute to the collective well-being of our community. Join CARTER as he talks about the eighth chapter of “all about love: NEW VISIONS” by bell hooks entitled COMMUNITY: LOVING COMMUNION.

Come join one of your new homies, CARTER, as he shares his thoughts about literature from Black authors.

By living simple, we are able to create a world where love can be simple. Join CARTER as he talks about the seventh chapter of "all about love: NEW VISIONS" by bell hooks entitled GREED: SIMPLY LOVE.

By practicing a love ethic, we live by principles that allow for our light to shine within and be seen and felt by those around us. Join CARTER as he talks about the sixth chapter of "all about love: NEW VISIONS" by bell hooks entitled VALUES: LIVING BY A LOVE ETHIC. 

By tapping into our spirituality we are able to experience the love that adds substance to our life and the world around us. Join CARTER as he talks about the fifth chapter of "all about love: NEW VISIONS" by bell hooks entitled SPIRITUALITY: DIVINE LOVE.

Self-Love nurtures our heart, mind, body and soul to fulfillment. Join CARTER as he talks about the fourth chapter of "all about love: NEW VISIONS" by bell hooks entitled COMMITMENT: LET LOVE BE LOVE IN ME.

Being honest builds a foundation of trust that allows love to flourish. Join CARTER as he talk about the third chapter of "all about love: NEW VISIONS" by bell hooks entitled HONESTY: BE TRUE TO LOVE.

Ensuring the children in our lives receive justice is love. Join CARTER as he talks about the second chapter of "all about love: NEW VISIONS" by bell hooks entitled JUSTICE: CHILDHOOD LOVE LESSONS.

Defining love makes the path to love much clearer. Join CARTER as he talks about the first chapter of "all about love: NEW VISIONS" by bell hooks entitled CLARITY: GIVE LOVE WORDS. 

Love is a journey. Join CARTER as he talks about the introduction chapter of "all about love: NEW VISIONS" by bell hooks entitled GRACE: TOUCHED BY LOVE. He shares his experiences and lessons learned on his journey of returning to love.