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Roxana (she/her) identifies as a Mexican American immigrant, a mother and a proud Texan.  Roxana describes the changing face of Texas, after moving back to her home town in 2020 with her new family. She describes navigating a state that's very different from the place where she grew up, and the challenge of protecting her biracial son from hateful attitudes and politics.  Roxana also discusses growing up as an undocumented immigrant, struggling with never feeling good enough, but not letting that stop her from taking action and holding herself and others accountable.  

Mary (she/her), who identifies as a Midwestern transplant to Utah, describes being a health care provider and health care recipient during the pandemic.  This includes being present for her family, patients, and fellow health care workers as they struggle to save lives; and her role helping others cope with death.  Mary also discusses the profound impact of ‘science denial' in today's politics, and the attack on the US Capitol Building as seen from out West.

Fred (he/him) identifies as an African American man. Fred shares insights from working with his community during the pandemic. He describes the resilience of people who have had to figure out how to survive systems they were never intended to be a part of, and how listening to their experiences can be the key to solving real issues for everyone.

Lauri (she/her) identifies as a Midwesterner and a Psychotherapist. Lauri talks about living in Michigan at this point in time, and how local/national politics and the pandemic are impacting our mental health. In particular, she discusses a pathway to becoming un-numb to the constant bombardment of outrageous statements and acts that we've endured over the past four years.

Ann (she/her) identifies as African American female of Caribbean descent. She talks about being a community farmer during the pandemic, and how sustainable local farms can saves lives. As a naturalized citizen from Guyana, Ann also discusses her experience being a woman of color in the States at this moment in time.

The day after the election was called for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris I started thinking about the voices that I've had on the show over the past few months. I was curious to talk with folks again now that the election over and the results had been announced. I'm grateful to following people, who shared their thoughts, feeling and hopes with me about this moment in time. Jollanna (she/her), who identifies as a mother, a woman of color and an educator. Chris (he/they), who identifies as gender non-binary. Elsa (she/her), who identifies as a Mexican immigrant, a mother and a child advocate. Mark (he/him), who identifies as a gay male and Asian American.  Hainer (he/him), who identifies as a Latinx man. Monica (she/her), who identifies as a sixty-something, newly retired caregiver.  Rodrigo (he/him), who identifies as a DACAmented Mestizo.  Jennifer (she/her), who identifies as a cisgender white woman and a mother.

Maggie (she/her) identifies as a straight single mom, a teacher and a student. I spoke with Maggie the day after the election was called for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. She talks about the uncertainty of waiting for election results, and the joy of celebrating on the streets of New York City. Maggie discusses becoming politically aware during the past four years, her journey from complacency to advocacy, and finding her voice while fighting for her beliefs and the rights of others. She also discusses coming to terms with systemic racism in the US, recognizing white privilege, learning to live as an active anti-racist.

Monica (she/her) identifies as a happily married, sixty-something, newly retired caregiver. As a resident of Louisville Kentucky for more than 20 years, Monica talks about becoming aware of systemic racism, getting involved in protest movements, and her personal experiences with the Kentucky police.

Adam (he/him) identifies as an Asian American.  Adam describes how political rhetoric (such as ‘Kung Flu') is stoking Asian hate crimes and encouraging the bullying of Asian kids. As a child, he was taught to stay silent in the face of racist attacks and to believe that voting didn't matter, because no one would speak out for people like him.  As an adult, Adam talks about the importance of speaking up against hate crimes, facing racists remarks from other people of color, and having a voice on the street and in the voting booth.  

Clara (she/her) identifies as a climate activist (since age 11) and a global citizen.   Clara grew up in Vietnam and moved with her family to the US last year.  She reflects upon life as a teenager during the pandemic; and her feelings about self-care, family, and activism.

Jennifer (she/her) identifies as a cisgender white woman and a mother. She discusses finding the beauty in life, as she raises her young son in a small Oregon town. Jennifer talks about the ongoing situation in Portland; how the protests are being used by political forces to influence the election; facing Pro-Lifers outside of Planned Parenthood during the Supreme Court confirmation hearings; and seeing today's political situation through her lens as a former-military kid. Be advised the content of this episode may not be suitable for children or sensitive listeners.

Rodrigo (he/him) identifies as a DACAmented Mestizo (person of mixed race).  He shares about being a DACA recipient, dealing with constant uncertainty, and his vision for immigrant communities. Rodrigo discusses the impact of being an undocumented person in the US, having COVID-19 without insurance, and what this all means in light of the upcoming election.

Elsa (she/her) identifies as a Mexican immigrant, a mother, and a child advocate. She describes speaking honestly with her kids about the pandemic, the nearby fires, and dealing with social injustice. Elsa shares her immigrant story of coming to the US from Mexico, and how her experiences have led her to help others.

Mark (he/him) who identifies as a gay male, talks about the vital importance of voting and all that is at stake in the 2020 election. Coming to the US as a child from the Philippines, Mark describes his family's pursuit of the American dream, what it means to him to have the right to vote, and the necessity of protecting that right for everyone.  

Hainer (he/him), who identifies as a Latinx man, talks about the importance of stability; what it means not to have it, the fear of losing it, and seeking ways for everyone to cultivate it. Hainer shares his search for stability as the child of immigrants, and explores the questions of how we can strengthen community and build stronger ties to others.

Trini (she/her), who identifies as a Latina woman, talks about the importance of allowing herself to have all the different feelings coming up at this point in time. This includes working from home with two small children during the pandemic, missing family overseas, and dealing with hate speech and ongoing social change.  As an immigrant and American citizen Trini also shares about seeing the US as it really is, rather than her romanticized notion, and opening her eyes to the truth behind the dream.

Fred, who identifies as 'himself' and an African American, talks about the urgent need for resilient people to be at the table and supporting them to lead.  Fred also discusses what it means to honor one's family during the pandemic, and navigating a world without privilege.

Chris, who identifies as gender non-binary, and ‘just me' (he/they), talked about examining his/their assumptions on every level during this time of intense social change.

Karla, who identifies as a high school student, an activist, and an Arab American woman (she/her); talked about advocating for justice and accountability, be it with her friends, in school, or the larger community.  

Jollanna, who identifies as a mother, a woman of color, a creative, and an educator (she/her) talked about the importance of having freedom and independence; and redefining what that looks like in her life as a special education teacher and a single mother.   

Joy, who identifies as an African woman (she/her), talks about how she is taking care of her own Black life at this point in time. And what it means to tell the truth to herself and others right now.