The Aspiring Spirit Podcast

Disagreement of the highest magnitude is resonating in many parts of society. The global is becoming local. Discussions are showing us where we have gaps in our ability to understand one another or find peaceful resolutions. This episode asks: What is our response and who represents that?

2024 promises to be a year where there will be much discussion, and perhaps disagreement. We are hoping that you are inspired to find ways to be present and mindful of the world around you and the world you hope for. This episode is a reflection about being mindful and appreciative, even amidst all of the things we are striving towards.

Thank you for supporting the podcast. We want to reiterate, our deep desire that this podcast helps to illuminate the need for community, and for considering the ideas that bring us closer and examining the things that might create difference.

In this episode, we explore some of the reasoning behind the formation of a Northshore branch of the NAACP. We hear from one of the founding members, Tachou, about the impetus and the hopes for community healing and a sense of belonging for everyone.

As we consider the ongoing need to address different community needs, viewpoints, and actions. It is important to consider how this impacts our ability to get along and how it affects our sense of stability.

This is our first episode of 2023. We have appreciated the feedback support and excitement about our work. This podcast began two years ago, to address some of the social conversations we were having and to place it within a context where we could talk about it calmly and reflect on it together. In this episode Dr. McKenzie reflects on MLK‘s legacy that we celebrate in January to remind us of his work towards racial equality.

In this episode I reflect on parenting my son through a school related issue around his exposure to some social constructs. Many parents are wrestling with this all over the United States and it is possible that there are more nuances then we expect, and continued dialogue is essential instead of avoiding or “canceling” each other.

Often when it comes to race or if there are affinity groups that are meant to address race, there are often assumptions that it means those spaces are being too exclusive or sometimes there is a desire to deliberately broaden the topic- is this OK or is it a microagression? Is it a necessary stance to grapple with? We consider this issue in this episode.

Message to City of Beverly as part of the presentation organized but the Human Rights Committee.

In order for people to live in a society together there are usually rules for engagement and ways that help us to decide how to interpret the rules; but in order to do that it requires understanding each ‘s positions and trusting those systems. I believe we are at a crossroads where we are trying to decide whether we agree on those rules and systems.

As we approach a day we were making choices about political preferences, it brings to mind that there are many things that we are trying to wrestle with as a society.

COVID restrictions are being lifted and as we once again share public space, are the divisions even greater?

In a 15 minute overview - Dr. McKenzie goes over these phrases, their origins, and what they may mean in terms of how we look at the ongoing discussions on racial justice.

In this spring season of hope and renewal, we are talking about how in the yoga community one organization among others, has been centering the healing of women of color. In this interview Kenann discusses the work of Woman Warrior, which focuses on healing sexual trauma for women survivors.

We, Dr. K McKenzie and Andrew DeFranza reflect on what has been valued, unveiled and requires more visibility in the various community experiences mid pandemic. We had a special shout out to Cornell for CBAA and our dog managed to say hello at one point in the recording! Enjoy!

In the United States Black history month is a time where we refocus energies to sharing the history of people of African descent from enslavement onward. Although people of African descent have histories that preceded this time, this has been the focus. However, the rationale is sometimes not widely understood.

2020 has been impactful in many ways... we looking forward to reconvening in 2021

A review of how the film “13th” by Ava DuVernay highlights the issues with the criminal justice system historically via the 13th amendment, and what it may mean for a renewed agenda for increased fairness and transparency in the criminal justice system. This agenda would mean addressing discriminatory policies and practices that have brought about public outcry.

A reflection and commentary on the use of anthems in reflecting our aspirations. Ending with a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing!”

In this episode, we raise the issue of how the dichotomy created by groups and politicians between BLM and BlueLM is changing our thinking in unproductive ways.

Bob Marley is the beloved face of Reggae music thought the world. He was also a social justice warrior who spoke plainly about the need to disavow racial oppression. Kenann reflects on his song “War/No More Trouble”.

While reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 “Letter From a Birmingham Jail”, we can find some present and common themes to inspire our thinking today.

How do we decide what our civil society is really about? Can we agree on a North Star? Are we only the oppressed and the oppressor? Is there another way? We explore this topic in this conversation.

Kenann and Andrew talk about the challenges of charting a common path as a country with the ongoing divisions in society. For ex.., Is faith with social justice possible? Do we need ideological purity? Is us versus them the only norm?

The pandemic has highlighted the issues of choice at the most basic level and we are feeling conflicted as a society. Can we make space for difference? What does it mean for the future?