Cultivating Culture Shifts
By Lee-Alyse Perry
Cultivating Culture ShiftsMar 07, 2024
Interview with Central Floridians for Public Transit
Welcome to a special edition of the podcast where host Lee Perry revisits a thought-provoking interview with Naqiy McMullen, a passionate advocate for accessible and equitable public transit. In this compelling episode, originally conducted during Naqiy's tenure working with Commissioner Nicole Wilson, the focus is on the Central Floridians for Public Transit group, a dedicated community of advocates championing the cause of inclusive and supportive public transportation systems.
Throughout the conversation, Naqiy McMullen shares insights into the goals and initiatives of Central Floridians for Public Transit, shedding light on their commitment to fostering accessibility and equity within the public transportation landscape. The discussion explores the challenges faced by communities in Central Florida, emphasizing the pivotal role that robust and well-designed transit systems play in enhancing overall accessibility and inclusivity.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the importance of advocating for transit solutions that cater to the diverse needs of the population. Naqiy McMullen, drawing on her experiences, provides a comprehensive understanding of the efforts involved in pushing for positive changes in public transit infrastructure and services.
This repurposed podcast episode serves as a timeless exploration of the intersection between advocacy, community engagement, and the transformative potential of accessible public transit. Lee Perry skillfully guides the conversation, allowing Naqiy McMullen's passion and expertise to shine through, inspiring listeners to consider the profound impact of thoughtful transit planning on the lives of individuals and the well-being of communities at large. Tune in for an enlightening journey into the heart of public transit advocacy in Central Florida.
Orlando YIMBY: Yes In My Backyard- to Affordable Housing & Smart Grwoth
In this episode, host Lee Perry engages in a compelling conversation with the leaders of Orlando YIMBY – Austin Valle, Naqiy McMullen, and Hannah Gutner. Orlando YIMBY, standing for "Yes in My Back Yard," is a volunteer organization dedicated to championing affordable housing, smart growth practices, equitable and affordable public transit, and enhanced pedestrian safety infrastructure.
The episode delves into the multifaceted impact of urban planning on various aspects of our lives, including mental health, climate change, and overall quality of life. The leaders of Orlando YIMBY share insights into their advocacy work, shedding light on the importance of promoting sustainable development practices that not only address housing affordability but also consider the broader implications for the environment and community well-being.
The discussion highlights the organization's commitment to fostering positive changes in the urban landscape by advocating for better design practices, transportation solutions, and pedestrian safety measures. Austin Valle, Naqiy McMullen, and Hannah Gutner elaborate on the interconnectedness of these issues and emphasize the need for a holistic approach to urban planning that takes into account the diverse needs of the community.
Throughout the interview, the guests explore how Orlando YIMBY's initiatives contribute to creating a more resilient and inclusive city. They discuss the challenges they face in advocating for change and the positive outcomes they hope to achieve in terms of enhancing mental well-being, addressing climate concerns, and ultimately improving the overall quality of life for residents. "Cultivating Cultureshifts" provides a platform for these passionate advocates to share their experiences and insights, inspiring listeners to consider the profound impact of urban planning on our collective future.
Las Semillas: Seeds of Pine Hills Interview with Seven Charlestin
Las Semillas is an incredible Organization that supports the residents of the Pine Hills community by developing grassroots programs to build power in their own neighborhoods. Their founder, Seven Charlestin is a local March For Our Lives: Pine Hills Chapter Leader who also teaches at a local school for at risk youth. He started his career organizing for disability rights and gun violence prevention before developing rallies/marches during the Black Lives Matter protests. From 2020 on, he has dedicated his life to serving children and families in Pine Hills and self-funded an iconic mural which is now at risk of being torn down. Watch us walk through the history of the mural and learn more about the incredible efforts Las Semillas is crafting throughout his community. Visit: seedsofpinehills.org to learn more about Seven and his incredible work!
Stop the Starve: Manatee Hunger Crisis Pt 1
This interview was done in June 2022: Katrina Shadix is an incredible activist from Bear Warriors Unites. In her work, she has successfully stopped the Florida Bear Hunting initiatives and lobbied across the County to pass a bill to save bears from hunting programs. However, now another Keystone Species is at risk! Manatees are dying at an alarming rate due to a massive die-off of their ecosystem in the Indian River Lagoon. During the winter, they travel to the Indian River lagoon for the warm water and the fields of seagrass. Due to nutrient pollution, we are seeing much of the vital food source of these manatees dying off and leaving manatees to choose between starving or freezing to death. Join Katrina in her work through www.StoptheStarve.org and help this initiative by emailing and calling your elected officials to beg them to do everything they can to #StopTheStarve. Fertilizer ordinances could be passed throughout the State and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission could expand its feeding program in order to help the manatees currently at risk.
Sunrise Movement Orlando: GenZ Climate Organizing
In this captivating podcast interview, we meet Hannah and Giancarlo who delve deep into the dynamic world of GenZ activism, shedding light on the inspiring efforts of the Sunrise Movement Orlando. This volunteer-driven organizing group has become a beacon of hope and change, passionately tackling the urgent issue of climate change through grassroots initiatives. The discussion unfolds as Hannah and Giancarlo unravel the story of Sunrise Movement Orlando's impactful journey, exploring the challenges and triumphs faced by the young activists who are shaping the future of environmental advocacy in the heart of Orlando.
The interview takes a compelling turn as the hosts engage with members of Sunrise Movement Orlando, peeling back the layers of their volunteer-driven projects that actively engage with local Orlando voters and peers.
Amidst the insightful conversation, the interview pivots towards the crucial topic of being a climate-conscious voter in the upcoming 2024 elections and the need for clean transportation options that are equitable for everyone living in the region. We then dissect the importance of integrating environmental concerns into the political decision-making process. This episode serves as a rallying call for Generation Z and beyond to embrace their role as catalysts for change, offering a roadmap for meaningful civic engagement in the pursuit of a greener tomorrow.
Interview with Stephen Holzman: Which Numbers Matter?
Lee Perry interviews Stephen Holzman, a researcher of the social history of quantification and dives into how we have used and created numbers to understand our world, structure our societies, and justify decisions over time.
Becoming a Climate Activist with Christy Folk
Becoming a Climate Activist has been a lifelong dream of Christy Folk. Let's interview her to hear about her start and the thoughts she shares about the climate emergency we are facing for our future!
Moms Demand Action: Advocating For Gun Violence Prevention
Moms Demand Action is a coalition of moms, dads, youth, and every person who wishes to see gun violence prevention measures in their communities! Here in Central Florida, the Moms Demand Action chapter is working diligently to advocate for local gun reform policies, although the threats of domestic terrorist groups are on the rise.
About the Guest Speakers: Sonia Ledger: Sonia has taught at Orange County Public School for 18 years. She found her passion for working with at-risk youth as a Guardian Ad Litem within Florida's Child Services Department. She recently found her home in Alternative Education, which works with students that most people write off, but this institution gives 2nd chances. During her journey, she became a Moms Demand Action volunteer after Parkland and has loved being part of the Central Florida group.
Linda Coffin: Linda Coffin is a local community hero, supporting organizations and youth throughout the region. She attends as many community events as possible, almost always in her Moms Demand Action shirt, to further speak on the importance of Gun Violence prevention and the need for an assault weapons ban.
Fiona Shannon: After growing up in New Zealand until the age of 16, I then spent 15 years in Southern California. I have lived in Central Florida for the past 29 years where I raised my 2 grown children. I have spent the past 7 years fighting for sensible gun legislation and working with underserved children. I feel all children should have the opportunities that my children had and to be safe in their communities.
Danielle Veillette: Danielle Veillette is a volunteer with the Orlando Moms Demand Action Group. She joined the group in 2018 after attending the March For Our Lives and has spent the last 5 years advocating for gun safety reforms. Visit: https://momsdemandaction.org/ and learn how you can fight for basic, common sense gun violence prevention policies!
Youth Organizing with Rhea Maniar
Welcome to an engaging episode of our podcast, where host Lee Perry sits down with the dynamic and accomplished Rhea Maniar to delve into the world of youth organizing within the Democratic Party. Rhea, a senior at Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park, wears multiple hats in her advocacy journey, serving as the Chair of the Florida High School Democrats and Vice-Chair of the Florida Democratic Party's Youth Council.
In this insightful conversation, Rhea shares her experiences and insights into the crucial role of youth organizing in shaping the political landscape. As the leader of the Florida High School Democrats, she discusses the significance of amplifying the voices of young people and fostering their active involvement in the political process. Rhea, breaking barriers as the youngest committee member in Florida Democratic Party history, sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that come with being a youth advocate in the political arena.
The episode explores the ways in which Rhea and her fellow youth leaders are working to bring Generation Z to the decision-making table. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the strategies and initiatives that can effectively increase and develop youth involvement in state politics, creating a space where the concerns and perspectives of the younger generation are not just acknowledged but actively integrated into decision-making processes.
Join us as Lee Perry and Rhea Maniar engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the importance of youth organizing, the challenges faced by young activists, and the inspiring efforts to create a more inclusive and representative political landscape. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of democracy and the role of the next generation in shaping it.
Rhea Maniar (she/her) is a senior at Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park. She is the Chair of the Florida High School Democrats, a chapter of High School Democrats of America, and the official high school caucus of the Florida Democratic Party. She also leads the Florida Democratic Party as Vice-Chair of its new Youth Council- a group of 45 statewide youth leaders working to increase and develop youth involvement in the state. She currently holds the state record for the youngest committee member in FDP history as a member of the Resolutions Committee. In this episode,, we talk to Rhea about the importance of youth organizing and how to actually bring Gen Z to the decision making table in our political arena.
Credible Messengers: Gloves Up, Guns Down
Lee interviews Coach Ruben Saldana, a formally incarcerated, unapologetic mentor who is taking Central Florida's at-risk youth and bringing them into fearless spaces of leadership!
He uses non-traditional methods to mentor and coach these young folks who have either been exposed to things children otherwise would not and helps sculpt their skills so they can be challenged mentally and physically through his boxing techniques.
These students now have a sense of family and share their stories of how this program has brought them into a more positive place in their lives.
**Trigger Warning** -- This podcast contains discussions of gang violence, self-harm, addiction, abuse, drugs, and suicide. Please listen responsibly.
An Honest Discussion About The Water Crisis with Gabbie Milch
This week we sit down to speak to Gabrielle Milch, a life-long advocate of our most precious natural resource, Water!
She and I have an honest conversation about the Florida Water Crisis and talk about what each individual can do to combat this issue and conserve water for us all to protect our natural waterways!
Introducing Cultivating Culture Shifts with Lee Perry
Welcome to Cultivating Culture Shifts with Lee-Alyse Perry, a climate activist and community organizer based in Orlando, FL.