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LaRayia Gaston might be the definition of inspiring. She is the heart behind Lunch on Me and LaRayia's Bodega, as well as the author of Love Without Reason. In today's episode, we are rerunning an amazing conversation with LaRayia from one of the earliest and most powerful episodes of the podcast! Tuning in, listeners will hear about all the most critical steps in LaRayia's journey, from her challenging childhood to her burgeoning and diverse career, and how she took her gifts and decided to dedicate her life to giving back to those less fortunate than herself. It was during her time in LA, around the age of 20, that LaRayia found the place to pour her desire to help the community. Always a hard worker and a generous giver, LaRayia began finding ways to provide food for the unhoused on Skid Row, and it was out of these efforts that Lunch on Me was born. Our guest talks about the influence that different family members had on her, how she funded this work at various points, and what has kept her going. We also get some insight into why LaRayia spent 43 days on Skid Row herself, her meditation practice, and her spiritual beliefs, so make sure to listen in to hear it all.
This episode is a straight-up wake up call that fresh foods are a human RIGHT, not a PRIVILEGE! We are honored to welcome LaRayia Gaston to SOUNDFOOD. Our candid, raw conversation cracks open the heart to let humanity flood in and shows how we can all take conscious action to redirect our food waste to feed our marginalized communities and learn to love without reason. Our guest LaRayia is the powerful, multidimensional force behind Lunch On Me, LaRayia's Bodega, Artist, Author of Love Without Reason and is an actual (cooking) saint! LaRayia is the living embodiment of nourishment; literally feeding 10,000 people a month in Los Angeles and now expanding to Atlanta! In our dialogue, LaRayia speaks about the insights she experienced while spending 43 days living on Skid Row while filming a documentary, shares how we can get more involved with her nonprofit Lunch On Me, why farm-to-table needs to break out of its elitist mold, how she maintains the highest integrity of food preparation and conscious cheffing for her “street fam”, and the inspiration behind her first-ever organic 99 cents store LaRayia's Bodega which will open in its second location in Atlanta on October 1st. This dialogue delivers a powerful reminder that food is love, that we can make an impact through our micro-gestures and that people in fact DO have the power. And it all begins with learning to give a F%*k! Thank you LaRayia for sharing your light, wisdom, intuition, patience, respect and love for humanity with us. Deep gratitude! Mentioned In This Episode: Books: Kahlil Gibran Keys of Enoch Songs: Essence- Wiz Kid Wish You Were Here- Black Coffee Where to find Larayia : Website | Lunch On Me | Bodega | @larayiasbodega |@larayia | @lunchonme EAT GOOD FAT- Oil Drive Info: Join us in celebration by helping support LaRayia's initiative and the Atlanta homeless community by donating organic oils! So easy and such a great and manageable way to make a large difference! Please send all organic oils to: ATLANTA LaRayia Gaston / LaRayia's Bodega 3005 Peachtree Rd NE #1917 Atlanta, GA 30305 LOS ANGELES LaRayia's Bodega 2713 W 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90057 Note: you are welcome to drop off your donations in person from 10-7pm in both locations. Soundfood Episodes Mentioned: THE GANGSTA GARDENER: Planting Seeds of Freedom with Ron Finley JAM SESSION Find the playback with Sarah Engelhart HERE Nourishment Partners: Rainbo Mushrooms Use the code SOUNDFOOD to enjoy 15% off all supplements on rainbo.com Christy Dawn Use the code NITSAC15 to enjoy 15% off their farm to table dresses on christydawn.com Living Tea Use the code SOUNDFOOD to enjoy 10% off all purchases from livingtea.net Living Libations Use the code SOUNDFOOD15 to enjoy 15% off your order from livinglibations.com MIKUNA Use the code SOUNDFOODFAMILY for 25% off first purchase // 30% off subscriptions from mikunafoods.com CONNECT WEBSITE INSTAGRAM TELEPORTAL LINE tune in via text for high vibrational updates on all things SOUNDFOOD @ 1-805-398-6661 MERCURIAL MAIL Subscribe to our newsletter HERE. Connect with our Host: @nitsacitrine Lastly, we would be so grateful if you felt inspired to leave us a review on APPLE PODCAST!
If you want to meet a real life earth angel, LaRayia Gaston is one (@larayia). LaRayia is an activist, author, documentary filmmaker, and founder of the nonprofit Lunch On Me. Jade and LaRayia spend this week's episode talking about LaRayia's passion for helping the homeless, how to create love in your life even if you've never experienced it before, finding peace through grief after the death of her mother, and how she spent 43 days living on Skid Row with nothing but the clothes on her back. They unpack the judgment surrounding poverty in the United States, the importance of allowing yourself to fall apart, the connection between depression and being of service, and actionable ways for us to show up for our communities in real life. To learn more about LaRayia's advocacy work, follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/larayia/ Follow Lunch on Me: https://www.instagram.com/LUNCHONME/ Download this episode of Tell Me About It with Jade Iovine wherever you get your podcasts! For more podcast info and pictures of Jade's pug Taco, follow Jade on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadeiovine/ Executive Producer Nick Stumpf Produced by Catherine Law Edited and Engineered by Brandon Dickert Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
What's going on guys, back at you with another podcast episode! On this episode, I have a very special guest on via Zoom. Our guest for today is LaRayia Gaston!!! LaRayia Gaston is a the owner of Lunch On Me, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending starvation while providing opportunities to enrich the mind, body & spirit of LA and NYC's homeless community. They also serve over 10,000 plus homeless individuals and families on a monthly basis!!! In addition she is also the owner of LaRayia's Bodega, the first ever organic 99¢ store that's addressing food access for all, located in LA and ATL. Lastly author of Love Without Reason: The Lost Art of Giving a F*ck! LaRayia has a HUGE heart for serving her community and even went as far as living on skid row in a tent for 43 consecutive days! It's truly amazing to see someone living in their purpose and operating in their gift! Tune in to this episode to hear her full story and follow this young entrepreneur on the road to success! Also, please feel free to share this episode with one other person that needs to hear this. Where can I support and follow? Personal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/larayia/?hl=en Website https://www.larayia.com If you enjoyed this podcast or found any value from it, please feel free to leave a rating and review! I would tremendously appreciate it! If you wish to reach me with comments, suggests or any other inquiry please contact at following below: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifulstrugglepodcast/ Email: cbelloso94@gmail.com Song: "Medicine" by Enrico Tolson @enricotolson
In This Episode You Will Learn About: How close most people are to homelessness Understanding what the homeless go through Giving grace to everyone Making your corner of the world better How to care Having a sympathetic reset Resources: lunchonme.org larayia.com larayiasbodega.com/collections/all Text “FASTER” to 310-421-0416 to join my new “Fastermind” Show Notes: Both prosperity and generosity must coexist. LaRayia Gaston is proof positive of that. She founded the nonprofit, Lunch On Me, to enrich the mind, body, and spirit of the homeless community and, of course, make sure they are fed. LaRayia even spent 43 days living in Skid Row voluntarily so that she could see and understand what actually happens there. What she saw shook her. This episode is going to pull on your heartstrings and inspire you to take action to grow your business so that you have even more opportunities to make a difference. Follow me on social media @ChrisWHarder on Instagram and check out chrisharder.me.
LaRayia Gaston, founder of the non-profit Lunch on Me can now add published author to her long list of accomplishments. In her new book Love Without Reason, The Lost Art of Giving a F*uck, LaRayia lays out a personal, powerful and accessible blueprint for being more connected to those around you, and to yourself. In this episode Neil and LaRayia talk about her book, her many business ventures and what she's learned through running Lunch on Me and serving over 10,000 meals a month to those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles. If you've ever wanted to give a little more or find more balance, this episode (and LaRayia's book) is for you.
LaRayia Gaston is the founder of the nonprofit Lunch On Me, a Los Angeles based charity dedicated to ending starvation and enriching the minds, bodies, and spirits of people experiencing homelessness. LaRayia is also the author of ( https://www.amazon.com/Love-Without-Reason-Lost-Giving/dp/1683646304 ) Love Without Reason: The Lost Art of Giving a F*ck ( https://www.amazon.com/Love-Without-Reason-Lost-Giving/dp/1683646304 ) , and today’s episode is all about tapping back into our humanity and being intentional with our love. You’ll hear how LaRayia began feeding those in need at age 14, and what she saw and experienced during her 43 days on Skid Row. LaRayia’s heart and passion for people shines through in this conversation—you can’t help but feel inspired by her. Today on The SimplyBe. Podcast: * LaRayia’s 43-days on Skid Row * How LaRayia tapped into a need within the nonprofit world * How to begin loving without reason on a daily basis * Micro-gestures for being intentional with your love * How LaRayia reached a new level of vulnerability by writing her book * Being deliberate & brave around the things we believe in Follow LaRayia: * Instagram: @larayia ( https://www.instagram.com/larayia/?hl=en ) ; @lunchonme ( https://www.instagram.com/LUNCHONME/?hl=en ) * Website: larayia.com ( https://www.larayia.com/ ) ; lunchonme.org ( https://www.lunchonme.org/ ) ; larayiasbodega.com ( https://larayiasbodega.com/ ) * Book: Love Without Reason: The Lost Art of Giving a F*ck ( https://www.amazon.com/Love-Without-Reason-Lost-Giving/dp/1683646304 ) ; malikbooks.com ( https://malikbooks.com/ ) Connect with Jessica: * Buy Jessica’s Book “Be.” here ( https://www.amazon.com/Be-No-Bullsh-Increasing-Simply-Yourself/dp/1683646991 ) * Sign-up for The SimplyBe. Society here ( https://jessicazweig.lpages.co/simplybe-society/ ) * Jessica’s Website: jessicazweig.com ( http://jessicazweig.com/ ) * Jessica’s IG: @jessicazweig ( https://www.instagram.com/jessicazweig/?hl=en ) * SimplyBe.’s Website: simplybeagency.com ( https://www.simplybeagency.com/ ) * SimplyBe.'s IG: @simplybeagency ( https://www.instagram.com/simplybeagency/ ) * Join the Facebook Group: SimplyBe. Society ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/199716284134370 ) This show is produced by Soulfire Productions ( http://soulfireproductionsco.com/ )
We are welcoming back Activist, Documentary Filmmaker, and Founder of the Nonprofit, Lunch On Me, LaRayia Gaston, to DENtalks! We have been lucky enough to have LaRayia on the podcast a couple times (linking her previous episodes below) and each time we leave even more blown away than the last. LaRayia just released her book “ L ove without Reason: The Lost Art of Giving a F*ck” in which she shares inspiring and actionable guidance to help us connect with our hearts, reawaken out innate desire to make a difference, and then make that difference in a way that not only helps others but also nourishes our own joy. Let’s just say, LaRayia is the real deal. She brings kindness, generosity and love everyday to a world in need. In this episode, we discuss how love is a choice, how to be intentional with love, the wisdom she had since she was a child, her experience living homeless for 6 weeks, and her hope for humanity. Tal even shares how some of the lessons she’s learned from LaRayia have shaped her own life. You don’t want to miss this powerful episode. LaRayia's past DENtalks Episodes: * LaRayia's First Episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/19-larayia-gaston-homeless-not-hopeless/id1391968482?i=1000418646013 * COVID Episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/larayia-gaston-covid-19-perspective-series-ep-6/id1391968482?i=1000474323578 Get a copy of LaRayia's new book here - https://www.amazon.com/Love-Without-Reason-Lost-Giving/dp/1683646304 Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dentalks-powered-by-den-meditation7294/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
LaRayia Gaston is a former model, actress, and the founder of the nonprofit Lunch On Me, an organization dedicated to offering organic, healthy food and holistic healing to those experiencing homelessness. She’s also a regular public speaker, podcast guest, and activist. She filmed a documentary, 43 Days on Skid Row, which shows her time living with LA’s Skid Row residents and offers up a true picture of what life is really like in one of America’s largest homeless communities. In this podcast, Sounds True founder Tami Simon speaks with LaRayia about her new book, Love Without Reason. They discuss the superpower called “love”; why connection and empowerment are central to ending hunger; gratitude as an action, not just an attitude; transforming our “withholding” and scarcity mindsets; seeing humanity “on every corner, in every person”; and more.
Love Without a Reason with LaRayia Gaston We live in a harsh, cruel, and uncaring world. Our external environment does not promote vulnerability and loving others . Instead, we are taught to only look out for ourselves. Despite having so many resources and love to share and give, we complain about how unfair and sad the world is. In today's episode, LaRayia Gaston shares her experiences with giving to and loving others. She talks about the power of showing up and how little things have more impact than we think. Do you feel like you are not doing enough? If you want to find out what you can contribute to the world, this episode is for you! Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode: Learn more about loving others in all facets of life. Discover the four things you can contribute to the world. Gain valuable insights about LaRayia's book and what inspired her to write it. Resources Lunch On Me, a Non-profit Charity Pre-order your copy of Love Without Reason: The Lost Art of Giving a F*ck by LaRayia Gaston FREE workbook! Apply the lessons you learn from this episode as you listen! Sign up at com, and I’ll send it right away! Episode Highlights What Inspired LaRayia to Write Her Book At first, LaRayia did not know the magnitude of bringing love in so many places. From speaking, traveling, and hearing from other people, she always received the common question of how she got into the place of love she is in right now. She wanted to reflect on her journey, and thus, she intimately explains in her book how she found love and where it came from. LaRayia wrote about her discovery of love, a blueprint to sharpen our lens and view of the world. The Most Surprising Thing LaRayia Learned About Herself LaRayia allowed herself to sit back and honor her journey and discoveries. She realized that she never had one space in the journey where she betrayed her heart. She was always advocating for underdogs and never backed down when it came to loving others, vulnerability, and doing the right thing. LaRayia realized the level of boldness she had. Why People Stop Caring Our external world does not support caring for and loving others. It does not support being vulnerable. We then decide to be what the world chose us to be, and people end up suffering. We should work together and empower ourselves to show up for the collective. Bring love to all facets of your life. We have to rediscover what it is to be human, coming from a soul place. We have it as children, but our external world slowly chips that away. How to Keep Moving Forward with Love LaRayia has been in every emotion of sadness and anger, but she doesn't let herself stay there. The only peace that she has is doing her part to help people. She cannot allow herself to wallow in emotions because tears won't solve problems in the world. LaRayia is very conscious and aware of her moments, and she has peace in doing her part. Empowerment comes from showing up and trying to do your part. What Showing Up Looks Like Time, food, talent, and money are everyday things we can contribute to the world. We should give what we have. Instead, we are giving what we think we can spare or what doesn't have value in our eyes anymore. We measure change and impact; big is better is not always true. Become more attentive to other people’s needs. The more you become attuned with your spirit and energy, the more you can tell when someone's in need. The most valuable thing that we can do is ask ourselves how we are part of the solution. Love Without Reason: The Lost Art of Giving a F*ck LaRayia wanted to make loving others and showing up actionable, tangible things. Her book is a self-help book on how people can be better in different ways. The most important thing we have to do is get back to our center of love so that we can show up without the world's influences. 5 Powerful Quotes from this Episode [09:57] “Give yourself the opportunity to show up as the person you believe you are, as opposed to just what you want everybody to think you are.” [13:22] “Love doesn't just happen. I believe you have to bring it.” [20:02] “I am doing everything I can. It's not my job to solve the world, but it is my job to conquer myself and to understand what I'm supposed to do in the world, and there’s peace in that.” [26:10] “Impact isn't connected to velocity and something huge and grand. Sometimes turning points are small moments, and I think that if we're more aware of that mentally, that we always have something to give, then we will.” [33:29] “The important part is what are we doing on a daily basis and sometimes, it starts with just acceptance and love and being kind to each other.” About LaRayia When LaRayia Gaston moved to Los Angeles from New York City, she was shocked by the extreme poverty level she saw on the streets of DTLA. She immediately wanted to help. After spending some time with people in the Skid Row community, LaRayia felt a tug at her heart and knew this was her calling. She founded Lunch On Me, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending starvation while providing opportunities to enrich the mind, body & spirit of LA and NYC’s homeless community. Lunch On Me feeds and serves over 10,000 plus homeless individuals and families every month. LaRayia is shifting how we address the issues of homelessness and hunger in America through nourishment and self-care. Her latest initiative is LaRayia’s Bodega, the first-ever organic 99¢ store that’s managing food access for all. Get in touch with LaRayia through her website. This episode is brought to you by Rasa https://wearerasa.com Code: LOVED for 15% OFF This episode is brought to you by BiOptimizers leakygutguardian.com/radicallyloved USE CODE: radicallyloved10 for 10% off any order This episode is brought to you by Nucalm https://nucalm.com get 50% off your 30-day subscription of NuCalm and their money-back guarantee. Code: LOVED Enjoy the Podcast? If you felt radically loved from listening to this podcast, subscribe and share it with the people you love! Love to give us 5 stars? If you do, we'd love a review from you. Help us reach more people and make them feel loved. Do you want to help people discover the power of loving others even through small acts? A simple way is to share what you've learned today on social media. Don't forget to follow and message us on these platforms! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosieacosta Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosieacosta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radicallylovedrosie TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsrosieacosta To feeling radically loved, Rosie
This week, Sah welcomes LaRayia Gaston, the founder of Lunch On Me, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending starvation while providing opportunities to enrich the mind, body & spirit of LA and NYC’s homeless community. Lunch On Me feeds and serves over 10,000 plus homeless individuals and families on a monthly basis. LaRayia is shifting how we address the issues of homelessness and hunger in America through nourishment and self-care. She is also the author of LOVE WITHOUT REASON, the lost art of giving a fuck. Listen in as Sah and LaRayia discuss...Art as a spiritual channelHow to awaken your innate creativity Learning to trust the radical moves that you are guided towardThe true meaning of spiritual surrenderFinding the courage to move towards joy✨✨✨Thank you to our partner The Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Become a certified health coach to transform your relationship with food and health, live your dreams, earn while you learn, and embark on a new future.Receive $2,000 off when you pay in full (or $1,500 off payment plans) by following Sah's referral link here, or mention Sah's name when you sign up.✨✨✨
In this episode, we sit down with Lunch on Me founder and bestselling author, LaRayia Gaston, to learn more about her incredible mission of ending starvation and providing opportunities to enrich the mind, body, and spirit of LA’s homeless community. Gaston’s work focuses on giving everyone access to whole, clean food and showing us all the importance of living in gratitude through helping others. Sakara has had the privilege of partnering with Lunch on Me and donating meals for several years to support LaRayia’s incredible work for the community. She reminds us all that food is a catalyst for love and that all human beings should have access to nourishing foods as it impacts our mind, body, and soul. This incredibly moving episode will encourage you to reflect on how you show up in the world everyday and re-examine your happiness, purpose, and connection to others. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Our most meaningful acts often involve giving something away, especially when you’re helping those that most need it. Today’s guest is LaRayia Gaston, someone who has devoted herself to improving the lives of the homeless. As the founder of Lunch on Me, an L.A nonprofit that feeds the homeless of Skid Row, LaRayia shows that you can give without reason. Before diving into her work, we chat about her childhood and LaRayia talks about how influential art has been in her life. She discusses her wonderfully mixed heritage and how her church background showed her the importance of tithing as a form of giving back to the community. We talk about LaRayia’s career as a dancer and model and her aversion to drugs and alcohol. She opens up about the people in her life who have been through hardship and how she learned the importance of showing love in helping people overcome their struggles. LaRayia then shares her experiences of moving to Los Angeles and discovering Skid Row; an area with a long-established homeless population. After volunteering for nonprofits and becoming disillusioned with their inefficiencies, LaRayia details how she set up Lunch on Me. As a part of her goal to humanize the homeless, her organization only serves healthy food and not the table scraps that are often given to the homeless. We ask LaRayia about the lessons that she learned from spending 43 days living in Skid Row and she shares a heartwarming story about receiving help when she needed it the most. LaRayia’s journey is as inspiring as it is empowering. Tune in to learn more about LaRayia and hear why she thinks there’s no excuse for not giving back to your community. Key Points From This Episode:How LaRayia’s love of drawing and books helped her escape a sense of confinement in her youth.The lessons that LaRayia learned from reading about exceptional artists that looked like her. Hear about LaRayia’s childhood and how she was exposed to many different cultures. Despite having a wonderfully varied heritage, how LaRayia came to identify as black. The number one thing that LaRayia got from church; we have to give to one another.How LaRayia’s grandmother often filled the role of being her mother.Questions that LaRayia asked about church and the bible; “Are we praying to the same God?”LaRayia tells the story of how she made her life-long best friend as a kid. Not liking to ask for money, 12-year-old LaRayia got a job working in her uncle’s restaurant.LaRayia’s first encounter with an angel when giving a homeless person food. Wanting to create and LaRayia’s strong connection with art. How LaRayia took the idea of tithing to the streets and began feeding the homeless. LaRayia’s work as a dancer and her transition into modeling for music videos.Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:LaRayia Gaston LinkedInLaRayia Gaston TwitterLunch on MeLunch on Me EmailLaRayia’s Bodega FacebookLight WatkinsDuke EllingtonMiles DavisThe Cotton ClubLena HornEartha Kitt PitbullChris Brown
Through this unedited, open, and briefly interrupted episode Ali shares about transformative losses, shifts, and deaths that she’s experienced along with the learnings and love that were gained from each of them. Change is inevitable, as is loss, as is death. It’s what we do when we are faced with each of these circumstances that builds character, community, and a stronger appreciation for life. Each of us experiences all of these at some point in our lives which is why it’s even more important for us to have open conversations about how they impact our lives and to ask for help when we need some extra love and support. Any change, shift, loss, or death is a reminder to be more grateful for life, to spread more love, and to live in each present moment. The nonprofit Ali volunteers with that she mentions in this episode is Lunch On Me, they provide organic food and healing to those experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, Hawaii, and New York. Their mission is to end starvation by redirecting waste and their motto is to Love Without Reason. They opened LaRayia’s Bodega, the first organic 99cent store that also has healing items, amazing food and drinks, and a warm loving family community to welcome you. To donate click here, if you are interested in volunteering email Ali at alissa@thejamesoncollective.com Thank you for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/adoptyourself/message
Today, we’re really excited to bring you a very special guest! Tanya Khani is known as the Soulful Publicist and represents some of the holistic, spiritual guests that we’ve had on our show before. We’ve actually interviewed all four of her clients — Shaman Durek, Shannon Algeo, LaRayia Gaston, and Aarona Lea! The guests Tanya represents are truly the epitome of elevated wellness, which fits perfectly with this month’s theme. With the work Tanya is doing as a soulful publicist, she is bringing spirituality and shamanism into a business setting and really elevating the conversation for the masses. She is totally moving the needle with all that she’s doing and through the clients she represents! In today’s episode, and with the theme being elevated wellness, we’re really focusing in on this concept of bringing spirituality and soulful elements into both wellness and business. Tanya shares about her work as a soulful publicist, investing in soulful wellness for yourself and others, running your business in the masculine and feminine, the progression of normalizing wellness and spirituality into the mainstream, what wellness is really all about, and the key to truly having an impact in this world. IGNTD Specials: Free IGNTD Recovery Workshop New IGNTD Recovery Live Online Support Groups Topics Discussed: [:35] Welcome to today’s episode! [1:23] Reading today’s review of the week! [2:38] Sophie shares her morning mantra. [5:05] The importance of staying authentic to yourself. [7:35] More about today’s interview with Tanya Khani. [9:42] We just hit a million downloads! Thank you all so much! Here’s how we’re giving back with an incredible giveaway. [14:32] The conversation portion of today’s podcast! [15:43] Tanya explains what being a Soulful Publicist means. [16:16] Tanya explains what PR is. [18:33] Sophie shares her experience with PR. [19:55] When it’s important to consider having a publicist. [21:13] Talking about investing in soulful wellness for yourself and others. [22:37] How long ago did Tanya start in PR? Was it always more soulful and spiritual-leaning? [24:58] Running your business in the masculine vs. the feminine. [31:54] Tanya talks about how she’s moving the needle in bringing spirituality into business and the mainstream. [38:32] Talking about the progression of normalizing elevating wellness and spirituality for the mainstream, what wellness is really about, and how Shaman Durek is helping to move the needle. [46:34] Impact is not easy — but it’s the key to making change and causing disruption. [48:32] How Tanya aids her clients as a Soulful Publicist. [51:56] The best advice Tanya has ever received. [53:33] Tanya’s proudest moment to-date. [54:40] Tanya’s most difficult moment to-date. [55:38] Tanya’s self-care rituals. [56:36] What ignites Tanya? [57:00] Thanking Tanya for joining us! [57:30] Don’t forget to screenshot this podcast, tag all of us on social media, and let us know what resonated the most with you! Mentioned in this Episode: Tanya Khani’s Instagram: @SoulfulPublicist Shaman Durek IGNTD Ep. “Man of Still ft. Shaman Durek” The Doctors TV Show Shannon Algeo IGNTD Ep. “Embracing Change and Living Your Life’s Purpose with Shannon Algeo” IGNTD Recovery Secrets Ep. “The Purpose of Purpose with Shannon Algeo” LaRayia Gaston of Lunch on Me IGNTD Ep. “Love Without Reason with LaRayia from Lunch on Me” Aarona Lea IGNTD Ep. “Winning with the Hand You’re Dealt with Aarona Lea” IGNTD Ep. “IGNTD Glow Panel: How to Stay Positive IRL with Aarona Lea, Tricia Huffman, and Jenny Jiles” Find out more about IGNTD: IGNTD.com IGNTD.libysn.com Subscribe to the Podcast iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify Follow us on Social Media! Facebook: IGNTD Instagram: @IGNTD.me Sophie’s Instagram: @Sophie.Jaffe Adi’s Instagram: @DrAdiJaffe If you enjoyed this podcast… Please let us know what you want to hear about! Tell us in the comments or send us an email at info@igntd.com. About Our Sponsor: Philosophie Superfoods The Philosophie offers cleanses and other nutritional products that are unlike any of the other supplements and detoxification programs on the market. Why? Because they actually nourish the body with whole, live, nutrient-rich foods. Each of the Philosophie superfoods and protein blends is vegan, raw, gluten-free, and has absolutely no filler ingredients.
Today we are joined by the founder of the nonprofit Lunch On Me, LaRayia Gaston. Her work is powerful, her belief in people is unwavering, and today’s episode is both uplifting and heartbreaking. The Los Angeles based charity provides nutritious and organic meals to more than 10,000 people per month. Their mission is to end starvation by redistributing food that would otherwise be wasted. Through Lunch On Me, LaRayia has also created a family dynamic and is teaching people to love and respect themselves. In our conversation, LaRayia shares how she was drawn to Mother Teresa at a young age, and how feeding the homeless was her form of tithing by fourteen years old. She describes the changes she’s seen in the homeless community by providing food, and explains the bitter truth about pharmaceuticals, street drugs, and mental health. LaRayia also shares beautiful, tear-jerking stories that show how small deeds go a long way. She encourages us to be mindful of windows of opportunity where we can not only help, but gain a shift in perspective by connecting with the homeless. We also talk about: How the homeless community has impacted LaRayia How homelessness can be a gift LaRayia’s 43 days on Skid Row What holding space looks like for LaRayia Statistics for foster children and drug use Poverty, corruption, and race relations Corruption in nonprofits from government involvement Find more to love at almost30podcast.com! Resources: Learn more: lunchonme.org Instagram: @larayia ; @lunchonme Donate money or supplies Contribute to Larayia's La Bodega Fundraiser Upcoming Events: October 3rd: NYC with Nikki Glaser October 4th: NYC with Erin Claire Jones October 9th: NYC with Stewart Pearce October 29th: Washington D.C. with Heidi Stevens October 30th: Philadelphia with K&L Sponsors: Kopari Beauty | Visit www.koparibeauty.com/almost30 for 20% off Athletic Greens | Get 20 travel packs FREE ($79 value) with your first purchase at www.athleticgreens.com/almost30 Better Help | Visit betterhelp.com/almost30 for 15% off your first month. Organic Traditions | Visit organictraditions.com and use code ALMOST30 for 30% off Modern Fertility | www.modernfertility.com/almost30 for $20 off a purchase Almost 30 is edited by Crate Media
Resources: lunchonme.org Instagram: @lunchonme Twitter: @LunchOnMeLA Mastermind: workhardplayhardpodcast.com/mastermind Connect with us on Instagram: @kimmurgatroyd | @robmurgatroyd LaRayia Gaston is the founder of Lunch On Me, a non profit that supplies healthy, organic meals to the homeless community of Los Angeles. But it’s not just meals that they provide - they also hold yoga classes and birthday parties. Their organization is rooted in the philosophy that they can’t fix anyone. They see their role as to give love and mend hearts, which empowers people to want more in life. I learnt so much from talking to LaRayia, and I think you will too. In This Conversation We Cover: [8:13] What happened when LaRayia saw a man taking food from a dumpster at her uncle's restaurant [14:30] How her life is guided by her heart [20:56] Why so many foster children become homeless [24:53] The biggest misconceptions about homeless people [28:00] Our responsibility to help [29:15] Why money alone can’t solve homelessness [38:13] Living off trust To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: workhardplayhardpodcast.com Work Hard Play Hard is a production of Crate Media
Resources: lunchonme.org Instagram: @lunchonme Twitter: @LunchOnMeLA Mastermind: workhardplayhardpodcast.com/mastermind Connect with us on Instagram: @kimmurgatroyd | @robmurgatroyd LaRayia Gaston is the founder of Lunch On Me, a non profit that supplies healthy, organic meals to the homeless community of Los Angeles. But it's not just meals that they provide - they also hold yoga classes and birthday parties. Their organization is rooted in the philosophy that they can't fix anyone. They see their role as to give love and mend hearts, which empowers people to want more in life. I learnt so much from talking to LaRayia, and I think you will too. In This Conversation We Cover: [8:13] What happened when LaRayia saw a man taking food from a dumpster at her uncle's restaurant [14:30] How her life is guided by her heart [20:56] Why so many foster children become homeless [24:53] The biggest misconceptions about homeless people [28:00] Our responsibility to help [29:15] Why money alone can't solve homelessness [38:13] Living off trust To learn more, and for the complete show notes, visit: workhardplayhardpodcast.com Work Hard Play Hard is a production of Crate Media
(Originally released on 05.21.19. See ThanksForSittingIn.com for complete show notes & photos)'Love Without Reason'We met LaRayia at the Powerful U conference in Los Angeles. And were inspired by her passion to provide healthy food, wellness and compassion to the homeless in Los Angels and now in New York. She is the Founder of ‘Lunch On Me’ and leads a team of five women. There are so many inspiring moments in this conversation. It was a privilege to sit down with LaRayia and have her share her story.A documentary on her experience of living 43 days on skid row in Los Angeles will be released soon.“The best way to fix the problem is though Mind, Body & Spirit Wellness.”“Lunch On Me isn’t just about food. We are a Los Angeles based non profit dedicated to ending starvation while providing opportunities to enrich the mind, body and spirit of LA’s homeless community. Lunch On Me brings nutritious and organic meals to skid row six days a week, every week and no reaches 10,000 people a month. We redistribute organic food that would otherwise be wasted in order to create delicious and quality meals. Our initiatives also include yoga classes, community parties and healing gatherings for women. We believe that radical self-love is the foundation for permanent healing.”“We are revolutionizing unity and empowerment for those who are broken and in search for hope. We are using our light to shine on the often invisible.”SHOW NOTES:A Profound Moment At Age 14Giving Back For 10 YearsFalling Into Your PurposeThe New York to Los Angeles TransitionTheme EventsHomeless ChildrenMs. Brenda’s StoryHow To Help A Homeless Person43 Days On Skid RowReaching Out To Local LeadersA Success StoryRAPID FIREVibrationManifestationResilienceCommunityAre You A Mentor?HugsFUTUREFind out more about Lunch On Me hereFollow TFSI on Instagram
This week on the Alchemized Life Podcast we welcome LaRayia Gaston, founder of Lunch On Me - a Los Angeles based non-profit dedicated to ending starvation while providing opportunities to enrich the mind, body and spirit of LA's homeless community. Lunch On Me brings nutritious and organic meals to skid row six days a week, every week and reach 10,000 people a month. They distribute organic food that would otherwise be wasted in order to create delicious and quality meals. Their initiative also includes yoga classes, community parties and healing gatherings for women. They believe that radical self-love is the foundation for permanent healing. In this episode, we talk about LaRayia's story and how she started Lunch on Me. We talk about the importance of sharing different wellness tools for those in need and the why it's necessary to making a change in homelessness. In this episode you'll also learn about ways to cultivate connection in your own communities to inspire change and remove separation. This episode is sponsored by ThirdLove. Head to ThirdLove.com/Alchemized for 15% off your first order. This episode is also proudly sponsored by Athletix CBD. All Alchemized Life listeners can take 15% off their order at checkout by entering the code “ALCHEMIZED15” on their http://www.athletixcbd.com (website here). Find out more about LaRayia Gaston and LunchOnMe: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | DONATE Apply for Ava's 2019 Group Mentorship Program HERE Visit http://www.avajohanna.com (www.AvaJohanna.com)
An activist, artist, and founder of the Los Angeles–based organization Lunch on Me (LOM), LaRayia Gaston has made it her life's mission to help those who are less fortunate. It all began when LaRayia started giving food to the homeless anytime she saw someone in need. Fast-forward to today and LOM serves organic food to people on Skid Row six times a week, reaching 10,000 mouths a month. She joined us at revitalize in 2018 to deliver a moving talk about the issues of homelessness and brought to the stage Kevin Call, a previously homeless man who credits LOM with helping get him off the streets saying, "You loved me when I didn't love myself." We are so excited to have her back, this time on the mbg podcast, to talk about the most significant issues she sees in homelessness, how a holistic approach to wellness can create sustainable change for marginalized groups, and the future of LOM. In this episode you'll hear all about:LaRayia's experience spending 43 days on Skid RowThe biggest misconceptions about the homeless and how you can break down barriers and be part of the solutionThe one thing that keeps her inspired every single dayFor LaRayia, LOM is about "creating a space for people to heal themselves and feel empowered"—and that she does. We hope her words inspire some sort of shift in your perspective and encourage you to always "love without reason." To contact Colleen or Jason with comments, questions, or speaker ideas, please email podcast@mindbodygreen.com. For all sponsorship inquiries, please email sales@mindbodygreen.com. Want to join our podcast email newsletter? Sign up here!
Today we are just so excited to welcome our guest, LaRayia Gaston! LaRayia is the founder of Lunch On Me, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to ending starvation, and also brings mindfulness to the homeless communities. We had the pleasure of hearing LaRayia speak at Wellspring, and just knew we had to have her on the podcast to share her beautiful work with all of you. It’s truly wonderful to hear the passion that LaRayia has, and feel her divine aura – we just know that this episode will inspire each and every one of you. We chat about: What LaRayia does with her organization The energy behind the California fires Living on Skidrow What her Skidrow experience taught her Actions we can begin to take How Lunch On Me got started Bringing Brenda on stage at Wellspring Why you won’t see Lunch On Me handing out jelly sandwiches LaRayia’s beautiful relationship with her mother Lobby Talk! Coming back from our retreat! Resources: Learn more: https://www.lunchonme.org/ (lunchonme.org) Instagram: @larayia ; @lunchonme Facebook: Lunch On Me Challenge Donate Have you tried Banyan Botanicals? Britt + Tara love Banyan Botanicals and have been using them for so long (one of our favorites is the Nasya Oil, which is perfect for anytime you need to breathe better or concentrate more). But we started using Banyan even more after we discovered their Ayurvedic Quiz! After taking this quick quiz, you’ll learn more about yourself and what products are most helpful for your specific dosha imbalances. Click here to take the quiz + create your own Ayurvedic Profile! Elevate the Globe is produced by Podcast Masters
In celebration of Thanksgiving week, Stephanie and Elizabeth sit down with activist, artist and ‘Lunch On Me’ founder, LaRayia Gaston. In this heart-expanding conversation, LaRayia illuminates and inspires discussing her mission to end homelessness one meal at a time. In honor of giving Tuesday - That’s So Retrograde will be joining Lunch On Me's Crowdrise campaign to build a center in Los Angeles, launching November 26th, join our team! Donate link: https://www.crowdrise.com/retrograde (launching November 26) Thanks to this week’s partners: Thrive Market Thrivemarket.com/retrograde Fabletics Fabletics.com/retrograde Lola mylola.com code: retrograde40
On this episode… LaRayia Gaston talks about how her life has been shaped by her passion for feeding the homeless community, and how Lunch On Me is about much more than simply food. She shares how practices recently embraced by wealthy and privileged demographics, like meditation and yoga, are incredibly beneficial for everyone—especially disadvantaged populations. Tune in to hear about… How Lunch On Me grew to be the powerful change-agent it is today Why LaRayia feels so strongly about cooking and sharing organic meals with the homeless The three women who inspire LaRayia every day The thing that she believes is “vital to human beings to exist, to coexist, and to heal collectively.” You might be surprised!
LaRayia Gaston is the incredible creator of Lunch on Me. This fun, interactive, non-profit creates a strong community and create strong bonds between the homeless and the housed by providing fresh, organic foods for everyone in need. Love without reason is the heart of everything they do. This girl is so incredible and she has the most amazing people working with her. She blew me away when I met her at Wanderlust. I saw the love, dedication and passion she has for this community, and I was floored. LaRayia is one of the most inspirational people I've ever met. We spend time talking about her story and her insight into why we need to give, the importance of acknowledgement, and truly experiencing community. Radically Connected LaRayia Working as an art director and giving her art purpose Creating a non-profit to end starvation in America Keeping volunteer work a secret and getting inspired when she shared it Setting her own standards for a non-profit and living up to it Radically Inspired Clarity Instead of simply having gratitude about what you have, do what you can to help those who don't have what you do. Little things won't get to you when you keep in perspective what extreme hardships others are going through. LaRayia Gaston Answers… What inspired you to take on starvation in America? How many people do you feed and how often? What have you learned the most since starting this non-profit? How has this impacted your life and how you view your life? Radically Loved Quotes “I think everything in my life pushed me to this place.” “It's just common sense to me. Someone's hungry, I have enough to share.” “Acknowledging everyone has changed my life. I want to be open and acknowledge anyone in my space.” “My problems aren't real problems, even hard things.” A Little More About Our Guest LaRayia has been volunteering and feeding the homeless for over 12 years. While serving, she's experienced some of the most life altering moments. Her direct human encounter in poverty and starvation has taught her so much about life, people, community, love and tragedy. One of the most important things about LaRayia's movement is that "Starvation being alive and well in America is only due to the neglect in redirecting food, that is often treated as waste" In order to make change happen, people have to be educated on the problem. Her mission is to integrate an interactive way to help, by using social media to bring communities together for the greater good. She's here to end starvation, starting with America. www.LunchOnMe.org
LaRayia Gaston is the incredible creator of Lunch on Me. This fun, interactive, non-profit creates a strong community and create strong bonds between the homeless and the housed by providing fresh, organic foods for everyone in need. Love without reason is the heart of everything they do. This girl is so incredible and she has the most amazing people working with her. She blew me away when I met her at Wanderlust. I saw the love, dedication and passion she has for this community, and I was floored. LaRayia is one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met. We spend time talking about her story and her insight into why we need to give, the importance of acknowledgement, and truly experiencing community. Radically Connected LaRayia Working as an art director and giving her art purpose Creating a non-profit to end starvation in America Keeping volunteer work a secret and getting inspired when she shared it Setting her own standards for a non-profit and living up to it Radically Inspired Clarity Instead of simply having gratitude about what you have, do what you can to help those who don’t have what you do. Little things won’t get to you when you keep in perspective what extreme hardships others are going through. LaRayia Gaston Answers… What inspired you to take on starvation in America? How many people do you feed and how often? What have you learned the most since starting this non-profit? How has this impacted your life and how you view your life? Radically Loved Quotes “I think everything in my life pushed me to this place.” “It’s just common sense to me. Someone’s hungry, I have enough to share.” “Acknowledging everyone has changed my life. I want to be open and acknowledge anyone in my space.” “My problems aren’t real problems, even hard things.” A Little More About Our Guest LaRayia has been volunteering and feeding the homeless for over 12 years. While serving, she’s experienced some of the most life altering moments. Her direct human encounter in poverty and starvation has taught her so much about life, people, community, love and tragedy. One of the most important things about LaRayia’s movement is that "Starvation being alive and well in America is only due to the neglect in redirecting food, that is often treated as waste" In order to make change happen, people have to be educated on the problem. Her mission is to integrate an interactive way to help, by using social media to bring communities together for the greater good. She’s here to end starvation, starting with America. www.LunchOnMe.org
Includes a Message of Gratitude. We are thrilled to share with you this very special episode with LaRayia Gaston. She is an amazing woman who has been feeding the homeless since she was a teenager. Her organization “Lunch on Me” pioneers new grassroots methods to empower the most vulnerable among us, LA’s homeless community. She provides over 10K organic hot meals a month (which she cooks out of HER kitchen!) and creates other opportunities to enrich their mind, body and spirit such as yoga, reiki and group events. She refuses to give them something that she wouldn’t eat, and explains how one of the biggest problems is how we dehumanize this community, and by ignoring someone’s existence causes incredible damage. LaRayia teaches us how daily microgestures change the world, how we can all check our ego at the door, and how you can (and should) bring positive energy to every interaction in your life.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dentalks-powered-by-den-meditation7294/donations
We feel so fortunate to have Founder of Lunch On Me, LaRayia Gaston, back on DENtalks Podcast for our COVID-19 Perspective Series. LaRayia is a dear friend of DENtalks Podcast, if you haven’t listened to her solo episode which was #19,, please do yourself a favor and go back and listen to it. She has changed the perspective of all of us here at DENtalks forever and we know it will impact you equally. In this episode, we dive into how she is seeing COVID-19 affect the homeless community or “our street family” as LaRayia says, and it is not good. LaRayia shares that she has seen more kids in skid row and more people who aren’t necessarily homeless or who were homeless before coming to their feedings. She also shares that she sees a bigger issue at play here - how as humans this kind of separation is not what we’re accustomed to, how taxing this isolation is on people’s mental health, how there are many people struggling / dealing with more than just COVID-19 right now, how many non-profits aren’t working right now so the community’s minimum needs aren’t being met, and the overall sadness she feels and sees throughout Skid Row. This episode shines a light onto some of the deeper issues coming out of this pandemic, but LaRayia also has a way of bringing positivity to these hard times. She stresses the importance of letting go of some of the heaviness and how we need laughter and joy more than ever right now. She is a true ray of light!! There are many ways we can all help you - we’ve listed a few that LaRayia mentions in this episode. Anything and everything counts!LaRayia’s Bodega Address - 2713 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90057WAYS YOU CAN HELP Donate or make masks and bring them to LaRayia’s BodegaDonate to their free meal Friday’s Donate bars of soapDonate anything to help them serve to go meals (boxes, cutlery, etc)Donate water bottlesDonate money - https://www.lunchonme.org/donate or venmo @lunchonme***We're offering ALL OUR CLASSES VIRTUALLY! For just $29.99 / month you get UNLIMITED Access to 240+ New Monthly Livestream Classes on www.DENanywhere.com - sign up today!Show Notes: www.DENtalksPodcast.comDEN Meditation: www.DENmeditation.comDon't live in LA but want to access all that The DEN has to offer? Now you can with www.DENanywhere.com! Sign up for FREE Meditations, Certifications, Workshops, 21 Day Challenges and more!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dentalks-powered-by-den-meditation7294/donations