The Reconciled Life

In this episode, Holly and Aaron continue their conversation with Aaron's parents, Paul and Marsha Brown. They discuss the parallels between the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and the summer of 2020, raising black men in a predominately white school district, and having sons in interracial marriages with biracial children. There were some technical difficulties with the sound, so you may need to turn up the volume in the interview portion of this episode. Please enjoy the Browns conversation with the Browns.

In this episode, Aaron and Holly talk with Paul and Marsha Brown—Aaron's parents. In this conversation, they discuss growing up during the civil rights era, experiencing the pressure of integration, and raising a black family. There is so much wisdom shared in this conversation, it has been separated into two parts. Be sure to join us next week for part two of this conversation.

In this episode, Holly and Aaron talk about the revolutionary aspect of Joy. While joy may seem like a synonym for happiness, Aaron discusses how it can be a vital act of resistance. The pursuit of joy is worth our time and energy.

In this episode, Holly and Aaron talk with Steven and Kelly Friend. The Friends are both educators in the public school system. They share their thoughts, wisdom, and experiences about representation through the lends of an educator. They speak to the unique experience of biracial students in a racially polarized time and how all parents can be involved in their child's education. We talk briefly about critical race theory (CRT) and how that phrase is a battle ground in the public school system. We do not go too deep into CRT, but if you are interested in a deeper dive Holly recommends this podcast and Jackie Hill Perry's CRT recommendation Critical Race Theory: An Introduction by Richard Delgado and Jean Stefancic.

In this episode, Holly and Aaron discuss their own journey with mental health. Holly shares about her experience with depression and anxiety and offers encouragement to those who are or know someone who may be struggling with mental health issues. Mental health is often an invisible condition. The more we can discuss the realities that so many people are experiencing, the healthier and more supportive we can all become. If you are dealing with mental health issues, please reach out for help by seeking the help of a counselor or therapist. For those who may be looking for further resources, Holly recommends Try Softer by Aundi Kolber and Spurgeon's Sorrows by Zack Eswine.

In this episode, Holly and Aaron continue their conversation about foster care with Drew and Holly Humphrey. The Humphrey's continue their honest and heartfelt insight into the joys and challenges to serving as foster parents. Despite the challenges, they share how the needs of children lead them to step out on faith to care for those who need help...perhaps we can all do the same. 

In this episode, we interview Drew and Holly Humphrey. They explain how their step of faith to become foster parents has changed their life. The Humphreys share the needs children in foster care are facing and how we can all be active in meeting those needs in a variety of ways. The Humphreys remind us that the goal of foster care is to provide a safe home for children with the ultimate hope of reconciling them with their parents. The road is not always easy, but it is worth it. This conversation is challenging and we hope it leads others to explore how they can help children in need.

In the third episode of Season 2, Aaron and Holly discuss their struggle to find a new church home after moving to a new city, a pandemic, another move, and all the other joys of looking for a spiritual community. This episode sheds light on the the concerns people may have when visiting churches and trying to find a community to plug into. Whether you are looking for a church or established in one, this episode provides ways in which you can be an intentional visitor or a welcoming congregation. If you do find yourself struggling to find a church home, we recommend this episode from the Pass the Mic Podcast.

In this second episode of Season 2, Aaron and guest host, Tony Robinson, discuss all things culturally relevant - movies (any Encanto fans out there?), music, mental health, the Olympics, and a whole lot more! Even if you're not up to date on all things pop culture, the way Aaron and Tony discuss current topics, you'll find yourself intrigued, challenged and laughing along with them as they talk. For a fun bonus -if you listen to the very end, you'll get to hear a couple of cute little voices who share some of our closing thoughts with you!

And we're back!!!!! Aaron and Holly are super excited to begin season 2 of The Reconciled Life Podcast. In this intro episode, we will give life updates and share what some of the topics this season will cover. For those that are new to our podcast, we are Aaron and Holly Brown, hosts of The Reconciled Life podcast. We are an interracial couple who are passionate about racial reconciliation and the personal journey towards anti-racism. Follow us at The Reconciled Life on Facebook and Instagram, or email us at thereconciledlife@gmail.com.

In this extended season finale episode, Holly and Aaron define white privilege, discuss how it leads to socially acceptable white supremacy and systematic oppression of minorities in America. Aaron and Holly survey the areas of criminal justice, healthcare, education, finance, entertainment, and the Church before wrapping up the season. By looking at some often-overlooked history, the hosts try to see how the threads of the past still have an effect on people of color's day to day lives. Although the history mentioned in this episode is not exhaustive, it points to patterns of inequity that still needs to be addressed. This episode is sure to be educational and provide insight, while also challenging their listeners' on what to do next. Season 2 of The Reconciled Podcast will return in early 2021! Resources Seeing White Podcast Criminal Justice The Sentencing Project The History of Policing When They See Us (Netflix) 13th (Netflix) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson Health Care Racial Disparities in Health Care Black Women at High Risk Racial Disparities during Pregnancy Education Revisionist History: Miss Buchanan's Period of Adjustment Racism in Education The Bad is Black Effect Finance Race the House We Live In Home Values Systemic Inequality Racial Wealth Gap The 1619 Podcast: The Land of Our Fathers (Part 1 & 2)

As promised, in this episode Holly and Aaron answer questions that were sent to them. The questions cover topics involving the nation, the church, and their personal marriage. This is another candid conversation about the world and how it effects their everyday outlook. Here is a link to the Jamie Ivey interview with Lecrae. Be sure to follow The Reconciled Life Podcast on Instagram and Facebook.

On this week's episode, Aaron and Holly shake things up! Instead of inviting a guest couple on the show, they interview each other. Listeners will listen into a “normal” conversation between Aaron and Holly when discussing race in their own marriage. Aaron and Holly did not share their questions with each other before the episode, so you'll hear their surprise at some of the questions! Aaron shares about growing up and working in predominantly White spaces. He also shares about the lack of representation he had when pursuing his education and the power of representation (or lack thereof) in the Arts Industry. Holly shares some of her personal beliefs that have taken a 180 degree turn in the last few years and explains why. She also talks through some of her fears and concerns of being a White mom to Black children. We hope you enjoy this episode while also hearing some truths to consider and contemplate in the upcoming days! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook and please leave a positive review and rating to help others find the podcast.

Join us as we talk with Tido and Melissa Rodriquez. Tido is a Next Generation Pastor at a church in San Antonio and Melissa stays home with their two girls. In this episode, we discuss the merging of family traditions as Tido is Biracial- Trinidadian and Mexican- and Melissa is Caucasian. Tido briefly address immigration and offers insight that we may not have considered previously. We then start to talk about Generation Z and national events, racial tension, and mental health. Even if you are not directly involved with a Generation Z student, you will find this episode insightful, hopeful, and perceptive. This episode is not one to miss because as Aaron says: Tido takes us to church!! (And more than once!) The children's book that Tido mentions is I Love you Through and Through by Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak If you enjoy The Reconciled Life please leave us a positive review and rating (we love 5 stars), so other people can find the show. Also, be sure to follow us on instagram and facebook.

Join us as we talk with Le and Vince Kearney, a Vietnamese-American interracial couple. They offer insight into the growth, changes, and evolvement their marital relationship and family relationships have undergone over the years. This episode is full of laughter as well as the importance and power of listening, persistence, and love. Please be sure to leave us a positive review and rating wherever you listen to podcasts.

Episode 7: Words Matter and the Browns In this episode, we break from our interracial interviews to give you an hour in the life of the Browns. Join Aaron and Holly as they discuss some of the current events happening in our nation today. They talk about racial profiling, accountability and the police, President Trump's ban on diversity trainings, and more. Yes, it is a lot! But Aaron and Holly explain throughout the episode how and why national events like these are personal to them at times. This is a great episode to hear perspective on issues that keep reoccurring in our timelines and newsfeeds. We hope for some - it provides encouragement; for some - it answers questions you may have; and for some - provide new perspectives to consider!

In this episode, we talk with the Hunters, an Iranian-Black couple, about what Racial Reconciliation looks like within the relationship of marriage! The Hunters walk us through the conversations they had and steps they took with each other to start the journey of racial reconciliation in their marriage. It is encouraging and also informative to hear their story of where they started and where they are now! Christine also shares insight about being Iranian in a majority White culture and the complexity of her identity. Ray answers questions regarding boundaries for one's own peace of mind and the balance of boundaries versus cancel culture. It is an inspiring, funny, and thought-provoking episode!

In this episode, we sit down with Trent and Sam Thomas an interracial couple from Owasso, Oklahoma. This episode is raw, vulnerable, sarcastic, funny, and passionate. We know that sounds like a lot- and it is! Trent and Sam live in a suburb that is mostly Caucasian, and we discuss how the racial tension of 2020 has impacted their relationships and daily reality of being in a predominantly White community. Trent shares his experiences with and his observations of the political climate found in many White Christian circles, and Sam responds to a commonly asked questioned of “What do we do now?” This episode might leave you excited, nervous, squeamish or more passionate than others, but if nothing else, it will leave you challenged to think! The book that Trent mentions is White Awake by Daniel Hill Samantha's guest post that she wrote for Everyday Boldness is found here.

Join us as we finish up the conversation with the Callahans! In this episode, the Callahans share personal experiences with Racial Fatigue and provide insight into how Racial Fatigue can occur within the church. Robert gives his perspective on a recent event that happened in the NBA and some encouragement for BIPOC listeners. As we end the episode, we briefly discuss faith and politics. The Callahans share some thought-provoking questions regarding what should and shouldn't be partisan issues. You will come away from this episode with much to consider, process, and pray through! It is a must-listen!

Join us as we talk with the incredibly wise and insightful couple, Robert and Mollie Callahan! Robert is a defense attorney and Mollie stays at home with their three kids. We first met the Callahans when we heard Robert and Mollie speak about being an interracial family several years ago, and we have never forgotten what they said because it was THAT good! We think the conversation you'll hear in this two part episode, will be one that you remember for years to come as well! The Callahans discuss the importance and necessity of using your voice to speak truth, to set boundaries, and to fight for justice. They share about the difficulties 2020 has brought them, and how it has strengthened their resolve to continue to speak out. This conversation is sure to be surprising, empowering, and educational for your journey. Follow us at The Reconciled Life on Facebook and Instagram, or email us at thereconciledlife@gmail.com

Join us as we talk with some of our dearest friends, Tony & Sarah Robinson! Tony is a pastor at Stonegate Church in Midlothian, Texas, and Sarah stays home with their three boys and is starting a new venture, Sweet Box Cookie Company. They LOVE music, dancing, good food, and good conversation. In this episode, we'll discuss the recent event involving their oldest son that sparked Tony and Sarah's increased awareness and intentionality with finding representation for their kids. We will also discuss racial reconciliation within the evangelical church and if it is helping or hurting race relations. Tony and Sarah also respond to the common question, "Why do we keep being told that we need to repent for slavery? It's in the past and we didn't own slaves." This is a conversation that will be enlightening, encouraging, and thought-provoking! Follow us at The Reconciled Life on Facebook and Instagram, or email us at thereconciledlife@gmail.com

Welcome to the Reconciled Life! This is the introductory episode where you will get to know a little bit more about us- Aaron and Holly Brown, your hosts of The Reconciled Life! We are an interracial couple who are passionate about racial reconciliation and the personal journey towards anti-racism. In this episode, you'll hear some of our personal reasons as to "why" this is important to us, what we mean when we say "we're looking at racial reconciliation through the lens of interracial marriage", and what you can expect from this season of The Reconciled Life. Follow us at The Reconciled Life on Facebook and Instagram, or email us at thereconciledlife@gmail.com