As the Incense Burns 🔥
By Shun P. Writes
An ongoing discussion with the Author, Poet and Genealogist Shun P. Writes as he walks the winding paths of purpose and talks out loud about what he is learning while searching for God's face.
As the Incense Burns 🔥Jul 08, 2021
00:00
22:40
Episode 59 - The cooking of the cookbook: Soul Food or Food for the Soul?
A dialogue on the forthcoming cookbook, I guess we can call it the... simmering.
The meeting of a culinary trinty of Pescatarian, Vegan and Plant-based juxtaposed with my 3 decades in the act of creating food poetry in the form of recipes.
On this episode I'll expand on the poetry or the connectivity of Food, Family and the intersectionality of our humanity, while living life on Earth. Case in point in families, many of our lessons are passed to us over a meal and what we eat can often serve as a spark for a love stored up by way of mementos for the soul.
In times such as this, it is important that we remember this and endeavor to feed our bodies as well as our soul. As the only ones who can save us, is us.
Food, Family and poetry is alive and well, do tell.
The meeting of a culinary trinty of Pescatarian, Vegan and Plant-based juxtaposed with my 3 decades in the act of creating food poetry in the form of recipes.
On this episode I'll expand on the poetry or the connectivity of Food, Family and the intersectionality of our humanity, while living life on Earth. Case in point in families, many of our lessons are passed to us over a meal and what we eat can often serve as a spark for a love stored up by way of mementos for the soul.
In times such as this, it is important that we remember this and endeavor to feed our bodies as well as our soul. As the only ones who can save us, is us.
Food, Family and poetry is alive and well, do tell.
Mar 27, 202414:52
Episode 58 - If the only ones who can save us, is us, are we in trouble?
We face uncomfortable truths in the form of the lies that we tell ourselves.
The only ones who can save is... is us, but how can we do that when we don't like each other that much?
On this episode I reflect on the lessons
gifted to me by my Elders before they left for their reward and how that wisdom can serve to lead us to higher elevations with a mandate from my Bigmama that served to echo with the concussive force of love.
Tendered in the frequencies of narrative and poetry.
Mar 08, 202416:24
Episode 57 - The conspiracy of our humanity?
On this episode, I talk about conspiracies, contradictions, random cruelties and the duality of humanity, while digging in the crates of some old poetry and citing some findings in an article in the journal of the American Psychological Association entitled: The Conspiratorial Mind. Key takeaway... maybe the conspiracy, is us? In that we seem to be in the act of conspiring replace our humanity with ideology. I close with a reading from me... to all of us. A plea to be free, as the only ones who can save us... is us.
The link to the journal article is: www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/06/why-people-believe-conspiracy-theories
The link to the journal article is: www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/06/why-people-believe-conspiracy-theories
Feb 07, 202430:13
Episode 56 - Food as the poetry of our humanity
Food for the soul or soul food? The communal aspects of food cannot be understated, it is what defines our humanness. On this episode I delve into the poetry of food with a couple readings from some new work: origins of the forthcoming Pescatarian; Plant-based and Vegan themed cookbook (book number three); and a spark from my Paw-Paw with a reminder that beautiful histories are known to repeat, especially in families.
Say again... that food ain't poetry.
Say again... that food ain't poetry.
Jan 07, 202414:39
Episode 50 - When the cups overflow
On Episode 50, I take a repreive from the dark places of grief, as I mourn the passing of one of my oldest friends, Stu from the land of the Mighty Mighty Square, my dear brother from another... and I reflect on one of the greatest gifts that we can offer to another person, one that doesn't cost much, but how can you quantify the power of a selfless act of love? Now this is something that we often take for granted... the filling of the cups.
If we make the error of serving ourselves first and worrying others after the fact, how can we hope to persevere?
This was something that Stu used pontificate on about as it pertained to me... he claimed that I was holding back, he told me pointedly during one of last conversations... "that I was not enunicating fully" he argued that I wasn't using my full voice (I get it now).
So, as a hat tip to my man Stu, I'm expanding on an element of storytelling that speaks to another instance of... the filling of the cups with a reading of a piece entitled: Of Mandates, Manifestations and Echoes, it is an orgin story of sorts, so pull up a seat.
If we make the error of serving ourselves first and worrying others after the fact, how can we hope to persevere?
This was something that Stu used pontificate on about as it pertained to me... he claimed that I was holding back, he told me pointedly during one of last conversations... "that I was not enunicating fully" he argued that I wasn't using my full voice (I get it now).
So, as a hat tip to my man Stu, I'm expanding on an element of storytelling that speaks to another instance of... the filling of the cups with a reading of a piece entitled: Of Mandates, Manifestations and Echoes, it is an orgin story of sorts, so pull up a seat.
Dec 28, 202317:51
Episode 55: Polawadism or the Poetry Of Living As We Are All Dying In Slow Motion
Polawadism is the abbreviation that I came up with for this epiphany of sorts, yes I did, all by myself... it sounds mysterious doesn’t it? There's more, read and listen on.
The Poetry Of Living As We Are All Dying In Slow Motion.
A simple realization that we will be gone... a lot longer than we are here.
It was/is epiphany of sorts, especially when you consider how fleet time seems to feel nowadays.
We have a need to always be in motion, but, being still is not a punishment, instead it can serve as a segue to healing.
I speak on the creative process or seeing poetry while in the act of living and how in some instances, I consider myself just a stenographer.
The Poetry Of Living As We Are All Dying In Slow Motion.
A simple realization that we will be gone... a lot longer than we are here.
It was/is epiphany of sorts, especially when you consider how fleet time seems to feel nowadays.
We have a need to always be in motion, but, being still is not a punishment, instead it can serve as a segue to healing.
I speak on the creative process or seeing poetry while in the act of living and how in some instances, I consider myself just a stenographer.
Dec 04, 202320:13
Episode 54 - Thoughts on... and a reading of a piece entitled "False Counsel"
On this episode, I muse out loud about our serial arts of inhumanity, our fealty to lies and how we stand at the precipice... a point of no return. An uncomfortable truth that only WE can save US. It is these thoughts that served to inspire the spoken word/poetry piece at the end of the episode.
It is my humble hope... that I am wrong on all counts.
It is my humble hope... that I am wrong on all counts.
Nov 29, 202306:35
Episode 53 - Words to Black Boys... from a former one
On this episode, I read from some selected passages of a series entitled:
Words for Black Boys... from a former one.
These assorted reflections on coming of age in Chicago during the 1980's and 1990's and how I contended with the darts of invective from a group of teachers who seemed determined to break my spirit.
Being told routinely, that I was a hoodlum in training... at best or a perspective juvenile delinquent or the time my teacher laughed at the prospect of me becoming a "newspaper writer" only strengthened my resolve to make her eat those words one day.
I tell this story, because I see the same weaponry of disaffection being used against Black Boys in 2023 and it is critical... that they know.
Your skin... ain't no sin.
This is nothing new under the sun.
History repeats, cycles can be broken.
There is power in numbers and they too can persevere.
The cheering section is alive and well... Black boy, I am you.
Grab a listen.
Words for Black Boys... from a former one.
These assorted reflections on coming of age in Chicago during the 1980's and 1990's and how I contended with the darts of invective from a group of teachers who seemed determined to break my spirit.
Being told routinely, that I was a hoodlum in training... at best or a perspective juvenile delinquent or the time my teacher laughed at the prospect of me becoming a "newspaper writer" only strengthened my resolve to make her eat those words one day.
I tell this story, because I see the same weaponry of disaffection being used against Black Boys in 2023 and it is critical... that they know.
Your skin... ain't no sin.
This is nothing new under the sun.
History repeats, cycles can be broken.
There is power in numbers and they too can persevere.
The cheering section is alive and well... Black boy, I am you.
Grab a listen.
Nov 07, 202312:34
Episode 52 - When what we serve smacks away the right hand of fellowship & other readings
On this episode, I'm thinking out loud about the things that we honor, what we serve and how we abandon our humanity in the pursuit of titles and other shiny trinkets or minimal worth while wondering out loud about those who disowned me for speaking ill of a certain orange fella (that is so weird... what's wrong with y'all) choosing ideology over your humanity? Then I close with some selected readings of original poetry that I am working on.
Nov 04, 202315:24
Episode 51 - We are the only ones who can save us, but do we... humans even like us?
I ask the uncomfortable questions in the face of what seems to be the obvious. Humanity excels in the art of being cruel to each other. In the U.S we spend 10 times more on our national defense budget than we do on education, people lean on the fanciful and feeling over facts.
I talk about it on this episode and I issue a challenge or a way forward. I challenge us to reflect love... the kind that has healed us up when we were broken. Speaking to the power of the heroism in our local orbits. Let me know what your thoughts are on our shared fates in the attached poll.
I talk about it on this episode and I issue a challenge or a way forward. I challenge us to reflect love... the kind that has healed us up when we were broken. Speaking to the power of the heroism in our local orbits. Let me know what your thoughts are on our shared fates in the attached poll.
Oct 16, 202326:48
Episode 49 - Those winding paths where love is known to echo
On Episode 49, I discuss how I spent my time on "podcast vacation" outside of the recording booth during the month of July and what I learned on the omnipresent search to be better than my past incarnations.
The reality that our legacy will outlive us and that urgency should serve as our fuel, but instead it is an afterthought.
There is a lot of reflection on the fickleness of humanity, the rapidity of time and the clear and present danger of foolishness masquerading as wisdom.
I created a lot of original work during July and accordingly I peel back the layers of the creative process on of some of it - including some of the voice readings ie; protest poetry that made the rounds on the "internets".
Remember, if this show echoes, by way of this hyperlink: share the wealth, grab a book, tell a friend and the rest of em'.
The reality that our legacy will outlive us and that urgency should serve as our fuel, but instead it is an afterthought.
There is a lot of reflection on the fickleness of humanity, the rapidity of time and the clear and present danger of foolishness masquerading as wisdom.
I created a lot of original work during July and accordingly I peel back the layers of the creative process on of some of it - including some of the voice readings ie; protest poetry that made the rounds on the "internets".
Remember, if this show echoes, by way of this hyperlink: share the wealth, grab a book, tell a friend and the rest of em'.
Aug 17, 202348:43
Episode 48 - Be who you is... break patterns... empty your shit!
On this episode, I lean on some wisdom gifted to me by way of my son, who told me to break patterns and a gem given to me by one of my favorite Authors, my dear sister from another DNA helix, K.E Garland... that is Dr. Garland if you are literary, as she told me to empty my shit (poetry of the auditory).
So, I use some musicial freqeuncies created by way of my son, a professional musician.... and I read unscripted parts from my notebook, to the tune of 2 and a half minutes - in acknowledgment of breaking patterns and emptying my shit.
A testament to synchroncity never missing.
We are at the halfway point of the year, good people... what have we learned about ourselves?
Are we being loyal to the army of we?
Grab a listen to the diction.
So, I use some musicial freqeuncies created by way of my son, a professional musician.... and I read unscripted parts from my notebook, to the tune of 2 and a half minutes - in acknowledgment of breaking patterns and emptying my shit.
A testament to synchroncity never missing.
We are at the halfway point of the year, good people... what have we learned about ourselves?
Are we being loyal to the army of we?
Grab a listen to the diction.
Jun 24, 202305:33
Episode 47 - The filling of the cups
On this episode, I discuss the filling of cups, the serving of others, the power of affirmations to change our trajectories and how it healed me, as it is apparent that many are abdicating this critical role, but why?
I also have readings of freshly scripted poetry, teasers from an eventual Volume III, possibly? The power of lessons gifted in the frequencies of love, metaphors in Star Trek, extended words to Black Boys and a concept that I am hashing out called Manifestivate.
Come through and grab a listen to the diction and if you like it, get a subscription and become a sponsor... why don't ya?
I also have readings of freshly scripted poetry, teasers from an eventual Volume III, possibly? The power of lessons gifted in the frequencies of love, metaphors in Star Trek, extended words to Black Boys and a concept that I am hashing out called Manifestivate.
Come through and grab a listen to the diction and if you like it, get a subscription and become a sponsor... why don't ya?
Jun 03, 202325:14
Episode 46 - What do we love, 2 cents and the creative process
On this episode, I'm thinking out loud about what we honor, what we love, what/who we place on pedestals and how we cheat ourselves out of our humanity by way of choosing ideology over facts. It is against this backdrop that the creative process can serve to redeem, because if we stand by and do nothing... all is lost.
Aren't we better than that... or not?
#mindset #selfcare #healing #writing
Aren't we better than that... or not?
#mindset #selfcare #healing #writing
May 14, 202322:05
Epiosde 45 - The Confession of Projection
On this episode, we take on current events or the poetry of living. The understanding or the acceptance of the inconvenient truths... in the form of telling lies to ourselves because our cowardice won't allow it. We point the finger at others to distract from the crimes of betrayal that we commit against ourselves. Who do we honor and what... does this say about us?
Apr 07, 202319:02
Episode 44 - They say love, but have no grace
On Episode 44, I take on the notions of love without grace, namely the phenomenon of those... who say they love Jesus, while hating everyone that he said to love. My goal? Is to understand... just who are they... serving? Grab a seat and take a listen or let's hash it out on a walk.
Mar 04, 202322:39
Episode 43 - From the Fiction Suite: Church and Ellen's Trail
On Episode 43, I'm rolling out a test pilot of historical fiction on the 183rd birthday of my 3rd Great Grandfather Church Tipton, who was born on Valentine's Day in 1840. Given that I have born witness to so much love by way of my genelaogy efforts, it only makes sense that my esteemed Ancestor was born on a day known for its deference to the notions of love. In this piece from 2017, I have a reimagining of my 3rd Great Grandparents dynamic, I created this from what I could gleen from an old deposition in their own words, my imagination and from their noble countenances from a photo that served as a heirloom throughout my family for generation, an image that seems to speak with the impeccable diction of love. History is known to repeat... especially in families.
Feb 15, 202318:28
Episode 42 - Are you cheering for the crew of you?
On Episode 42, I have the incense burning and the waterfall bubbling. I'm thinking out loud about mankind's most consistent trait, along with some accidental, incidental poetry, a reading from my second book; and an esoteric question on the necessity of being our own cheering section, versus being poisoned by the siren song of faux cheers. Come through and grab a listen to the diction... and if I'm touching a chord with you, drop some change in the bucket I take all sorts even the kind with percussion.
Jan 27, 202315:05
Episode 41 - Thoughts and Prayers
On this episode... the first of 2023. I ask if our propensity for cruelty towards our fellow man is the best that we can do? We offer thoughts and prayers while rejecting their humanity, why even bother? I wonder about the hard truths that we run from, the resolutions that we should make in serving others... on a higher order and a fresh reading of some fresh prose based on current events.
Jan 02, 202320:54
Episode 40 - The poetry of living... are you for you? You are due, yes you.
On this this episode, I talk about the poetry of living and the importance... no, the necessity of being our OWN best cheerleader. I also read from my series: Finding the Glorious Ones a narrative called "And they laughed" a reflection on a life lesson gifted to me from my Elders. Now if this episode and podcast echoes for you? I talk about ways that you can help spread the word: sponsorships; buying my books; telling your Moms, Pops, lil cousins and all of them...
Dec 16, 202218:01
Episode 39 - Finding the Glorious Ones: When history is known to repeat
On this episode, I delve into a discussion of the genealogy lean and the beauty of history repeating, especially in families. I am joined by my cousin Anita, one of those souls who comprise my family tree, who I refer to as the Glorious Ones, as we have a winding dialogue on the power of love, the interconnectivity of family, dream work, the ancestors, history, music and food... by the way we cuss sporadically through this episode, so don't be surprised... it is what we do.
Grab a listen and be a fly on the wall.
Grab a listen and be a fly on the wall.
Nov 30, 202255:21
Episode 38 - Those binds of Brotherhood as Chicago is global
On this episode I explore the old adage of: "look at your friends and see yourself"
are you inspired, do you celebrate their successes as if they are your own?
Truth be told... I'm awestruck, I share orbits with some influential souls.
That said, I am joined by one of my oldest friends, one of those who stood with me against the Leviathan of stereotypes, who reminded me... naw fuck that man, we are dope, get up... I got you, you ain't heavy.
Back to the schoolyard... and into the future with gray hair and all.
My brother Chuck Diesal.
The original Globetrotter of the collective with roots so deep - that my Pops said:
"Yeah, you and that Youngblood gon' do some things..." now nearly 4 decades later - the adventures continue albeit on different continents.
I'll dig into his having a mural done in acknowledgement of his work...storytelling and making the Earth shake via those winding paths of purpose that have served to define us.
Be a fly on the wall... we are talking brotherhood.
are you inspired, do you celebrate their successes as if they are your own?
Truth be told... I'm awestruck, I share orbits with some influential souls.
That said, I am joined by one of my oldest friends, one of those who stood with me against the Leviathan of stereotypes, who reminded me... naw fuck that man, we are dope, get up... I got you, you ain't heavy.
Back to the schoolyard... and into the future with gray hair and all.
My brother Chuck Diesal.
The original Globetrotter of the collective with roots so deep - that my Pops said:
"Yeah, you and that Youngblood gon' do some things..." now nearly 4 decades later - the adventures continue albeit on different continents.
I'll dig into his having a mural done in acknowledgement of his work...storytelling and making the Earth shake via those winding paths of purpose that have served to define us.
Be a fly on the wall... we are talking brotherhood.
Nov 19, 202201:34:18
Episode 37 - Who we place on pedstals says a lot about... Us.
On Episode 37, I discuss the concept of placing those people who we admire, those souls who serve as our proxies on pedalstals and what that says about us. We are at an inflection point, where we can choose to LEARN from history or follow the same tired worn path of REPEATING it. I'll also read from recent work... Fresh prose Good People, that might have echoes of current events, life imitating art perhaps?
Oct 29, 202225:30
Episode 36 - Music as a conduit to healing: A discussion with the Son Unit
On Episode 36, I discuss the healing power of music with my son. A Licensed Music Therapist, known in East Coast circles as the Gentleman Boss, he is a Music Producer, Performer, Guitarist, Songwriter, DJ, Social Marketer and a host with the most (gimme a toast for sliding prose into the post). But... we discuss how serving others in a spirit of humility can serve to be redemptive and how the medium of music can serve to unite rather than divide. I also delve into some of his inspiration and motivation behind his music beginnings and how appealing to the best of our humanity, is the best way forward.
But importantly, we dicuss ways that you can support his work - because creatives gotta eat too.
But importantly, we dicuss ways that you can support his work - because creatives gotta eat too.
Oct 08, 202251:10
Episode 35 - What is your value proposition?
On this episode, I have an ongoing soliloquy, as I attempt to answer a question on the benefits of water therapy, in a time where selfishness seems to be the default setting for living. I wonder about those things that we honor and hold most dear... our FOUNDATIONS. That ongoing journey of living, that omnipresent search for God's face. I thought of my family and the majesty of history repeating and how we have an obligation to leave the Earth in a better place. I also touch on the poetry of living, genealogy and food for the soul with a tie in to the impending cookbook. Lastly, I make a humble ask at the end of the episode... for ways that you can support, spread the word to those who haven't heard. Such as: Becoming a monthly supporter of the podcast. Grab a book or two and write a review. For your foodie and literary fix? Follow the handle #shunpwrites on all the social media channels. I'm an indie publishing house, we are trying to keep the lights on and the incense burning.
Oct 03, 202221:42
Bonus Episode - A reading of some morning eye crust
This is a 35 second sample of something from the waking mind, that I may expand on in a wider series depending on the response.
Sep 06, 202200:41
Episode 34 - The dangers of Blindness
On epsiode 34, I talk about a higher level of blindness, the type that robs us of the vision to see ourselves and to walk in our purpose. We often fail when we subscribe to the notions that others have for us. In short, when we look at ourselves through the lenses of others it robs us of our vision. I read from a 2015 narrative, where reflect on an instance when I fell victim to this - and how I used that... which was weaponized to destroy and convert it into my fuel.
Sep 05, 202220:43
Episode 33 - The crumbling of our humanity?
On this episode I touch on the crumbling of our humanity or the traumas of the pandemic. As I read from some recent work; join me as I wonder aloud if narcisscism is our default setting; the battles or the hard work of choosing ourselves and the notions of serving something greater than ourselves which leads into a lesson or some storytelling gifted to me by way of my Family.
P.S.... Make sure to respond to the poll and let me know how you be!
P.S.... Make sure to respond to the poll and let me know how you be!
Aug 07, 202228:56
Episode 32 - That search for what is really going on?
On this epsiode, I return from my summer break from the podcast booth to reflect on the state of our humanity.
The real trauma of us (humanity) living in a pandemic which is arguably one of the most traumatic events in recent human history or at least in any of our lifetimes.
We were forced inside "under lock and key"... alone with people, who we didn't like very much... ourselves.
Coming to terms with the lies that we tell ourselves is a path less traveled.
It is said that we are losing our way, but I offer another, yet more controversial take. That maybe we've never really found our way, as we are at our most consistent when engaging in random arts of inhumanity towards our fellow man.
And finally.
In a nod to the intersectionality of food and humanity, I discuss the linkage and redemptive power of family by way of food and how it can light our way back.
The real trauma of us (humanity) living in a pandemic which is arguably one of the most traumatic events in recent human history or at least in any of our lifetimes.
We were forced inside "under lock and key"... alone with people, who we didn't like very much... ourselves.
Coming to terms with the lies that we tell ourselves is a path less traveled.
It is said that we are losing our way, but I offer another, yet more controversial take. That maybe we've never really found our way, as we are at our most consistent when engaging in random arts of inhumanity towards our fellow man.
And finally.
In a nod to the intersectionality of food and humanity, I discuss the linkage and redemptive power of family by way of food and how it can light our way back.
Jul 24, 202230:46
Episode 31: Those echoes of Juneteeth and letters to the Ancients
On this episode I discuss notions of being free and a lesson gifted from my Uncle, as I read from a letter that I wrote to my Ancestors in 2019, pushing back against the idea of confining honor to the narrow boundaries of a single day. I learned that when the power of love is juxtaposed against history and the ugliness of humanity that freedom is an omnipresent battle that we cannot afford to lose.
Jun 28, 202222:20
Episode 30 - Food, family and the poetry of how history repeats
On this unscheduled bonus episode, you asked about the cookbook and my culinary leans, so I'm shaking up my regularly scheduled programming to discuss the topic of my upcoming cookbook (TBA), the influence of my Paw-Paw, who I inherited my kitchen swag from and the linkages of food to poetry. Because it is my belief that at the basic level... that food represents the best chance for humanity to come together, how is that you ask? Well... we all eat, so that said, grab a listen or a plate? Common ground... how does that sound?
Jun 14, 202234:15
Head in clouds or thoughts on and about in a world gone... madder.
It seems as if we are careening towards a fate that we cannot wrap our minds around, but we make a grave error when we assume that we are powerless and when we forget to breathe, what do we do now is the question.
Jun 06, 202201:09
Episode 29 - Same coin different sides: That vile spirit of racism
On Episode 29, we take on the spirit of racism and how it thrives in a vacuum of love, as I read through some published and unpublished work on the topic. It is my contention that racism is a crisis of the human spirit that is spread by those who don't have the capacity to love, simply because they've never witnessed or basked in its power.
May 22, 202224:22
Episode 28 - Momma's Day: A hat tip to mine and reflections of her heroism
On this episode, I coin a new term "Mommaness" as I discuss the power of my Mother (Hey Momma! 👋). The one who taught me how to stand in the storm. I celebrate her in the form of narratives, her role in an origin story on the forthcoming cookbook and a poem for her and all of the other Momma's in the Universe. Let this serve as a small deposit of gratitude that I have for her lending me her power in the form of this electronic medium, since what we say on the Internet stays forever? I'm gon' talk about my Momma.
May 08, 202227:50
Episode 27 - When our plans are known to laugh
On this episode I reflect on the power of history, how it repeats, especially in families and the purpose that we can find in honoring the sacrifices of those who allowed us to be.
Too often we are guilty of blinding ourselves to our paths when we allow doubt to have a foothold in our spirit. I discuss my battles with it along
with a reflection on a recent brush with my own mortality and the uncomfortable truth that we exist here with the guarantee... that we live on borrowed time.
There is a war going on against the human spirit and we can't afford not to hear it.
Too often we are guilty of blinding ourselves to our paths when we allow doubt to have a foothold in our spirit. I discuss my battles with it along
with a reflection on a recent brush with my own mortality and the uncomfortable truth that we exist here with the guarantee... that we live on borrowed time.
There is a war going on against the human spirit and we can't afford not to hear it.
Apr 25, 202235:03
Episode 26 - Meeting the unexpected or when Genealogy echoes
On this episode which was inspired by a question from my cousin Shirley.
I talk about the winding roots of a proud people and the gifts that they bequeathed to their children (us) and the rest of our kin.
But it wasn't always like that... I tried to run from the call, on multiple occassions.
Yes, I reflect on the initial resistance I had towards the idea of the carrying the torch and how it brought me front and center with the "unexpected".... and how history repeated in the form of God's love in my own family.
Yes, the Ancestors were/are busy.
I confront the myths told about to Black Americans about finding their roots, my path to becoming a genealogist and how you can avoid the skepticism that blinded me in the early days of my own research with a sidebar on being an empath, the importance of listening to our Elders and some dream work.
I talk about the winding roots of a proud people and the gifts that they bequeathed to their children (us) and the rest of our kin.
But it wasn't always like that... I tried to run from the call, on multiple occassions.
Yes, I reflect on the initial resistance I had towards the idea of the carrying the torch and how it brought me front and center with the "unexpected".... and how history repeated in the form of God's love in my own family.
Yes, the Ancestors were/are busy.
I confront the myths told about to Black Americans about finding their roots, my path to becoming a genealogist and how you can avoid the skepticism that blinded me in the early days of my own research with a sidebar on being an empath, the importance of listening to our Elders and some dream work.
Apr 16, 202252:54
Episode 25 - Are we living under seige or is it all in our head?
On this episode I pontificate ever so slightly on the concept of living under seige and how that is merely a side effect of us having short memories. History is apt to repeat and I give a couple examples of this including Marvin Gaye's thoughts on the topic and recollection on my wanderings in Japan and lessons that I gained.
Apr 01, 202225:54
Episode 24 - The therapy of water, do tell.
On this episode I discuss one of the conduits to my creative process and a medium that I use to recharge the inventories of my peace of mind... the water's edge. This notion of water therapy, isn't complex or estoeric, we simply need to be still which goes against human nature. I discuss the origin story for the first book and some mighty words from my Father. I'll also unpack some concepts of faith, inspiration and the danger of securing our motivation from external sources, while doing a couple of readings from my second book: From the Water's Edge - Volume II where I unpack the metaphor of water and learning how to stay afloat in a world drowning in its inhumanity.
Mar 16, 202218:00
Episode 23 - When fear is fraudulent
On this episode I explore the notions of fear and the lies that we tell ourselves. As I read from some narratives about fear that I have published over the years I've included some new missives and spoken word on this phenomena. However, there is an underlying theme where I wonder if we will be able to get out of our way. My synopsis or belief? Is that fear is fraudulent, it feeds off of what we freely give. That said. We should be resolved to protest against it... or to boycott that archenemy within (fear) it is my hope that you can be inspired to do the same. (BONUS) of the culinary variety... A word about how you can help to support my cookbook release (Book #3).
Mar 03, 202221:44
Episode 22 - The Genealogy Cookbook... the poetry of the culinary
On this episode, I talk about the power of storytelling and how food and words aren't disimilar. I've applied my understanding from this in my efforts as a genealogist. Given that "breaking bread" often facilitates the exchange of oral histories/stories, I've used this in my efforts to trace my roots. And I finally talk about the concept behind my forthcoming cookbook (TBA) with an origin story behind my famous Salmon Croquette, my Grandfather's recipe and how I recreated it from taste memory. Now since we are talking about food... I am open to the concept of taking tips, bon apetit!
Feb 18, 202225:60
Episode 21 - The art of being still in the storms of living
On Episode 21 - I expand on the notions of finding ourselves during the Great Resignation and coming to terms with our own humanity.
Those lies we tell when we doubt our power, the fight against resisting our calling and reflections from you... the readers.
In reading through some select pieces from my second book and some published work on www.shunpwrites.com. I'm waging a frontal assault on the uncomfortable truths - that we often place our faith in the wrong things... like defining ourselves by where we work?
Don't we work for us, first? Don't bemirsch your worth.
In this pandemic we re-learned that our humanity isn't a pretend concept or a commodity.
Those lies we tell when we doubt our power, the fight against resisting our calling and reflections from you... the readers.
In reading through some select pieces from my second book and some published work on www.shunpwrites.com. I'm waging a frontal assault on the uncomfortable truths - that we often place our faith in the wrong things... like defining ourselves by where we work?
Don't we work for us, first? Don't bemirsch your worth.
In this pandemic we re-learned that our humanity isn't a pretend concept or a commodity.
Jan 23, 202234:27
Episode 20 - The Workplace Part 5 - what is your soul worth?
On the this installment of As the Incense Burns. I read from my series "The Workplace" where I discuss my experiences as a Black man in corporate spaces, the dangers of performative allyship, microaggressions, passive aggressiveness galore and my tenure at a Fortune 100 entity which served as one of the most racist and toxic venues that I have ever born witness to and it left me wondering... how much is a soul worth?
Jan 12, 202230:07
Episode 19 - Are you on purpose?
As we open Season 2 - on this first episode of 2022, I touch on the vile spirit of impostor syndrome, stepping out on purpose and speaking on those inconvenient truths that we tell ourselves... so that we can get out of our way.
Jan 03, 202221:03
Episode 18 - The myth of not being enough
In this episode - I read from some old and unreleased poetry and narratives.
I touch on the myth of us not being enough, the apprehension that we have in speaking truth to ourselves and the how fear immobilizes and steals that which is stored up for us.
Dec 23, 202112:43
Episode 17 - What you doing for a living...
On this bonus installment - I read from some old... and new poetry as I unpack a bit of wisdom gifted to me by way of my Father who cautioned me one day:
"What you doing for a living... ain't what you are supposed to be doing with your life Youngblood."
In the age of the Great Resignation people are coming to the realization that being minimized in the workplace is not the norm, but more importantly choosing ourselves isn't selfishness... it is self care.
"What you doing for a living... ain't what you are supposed to be doing with your life Youngblood."
In the age of the Great Resignation people are coming to the realization that being minimized in the workplace is not the norm, but more importantly choosing ourselves isn't selfishness... it is self care.
Dec 18, 202108:20
Episode 16 - Going the Wrong Way
In Episode 16 Â - I read directly from a 2014 essay: Â "A narrative of not being ready yet."Â Our best laid plans always have a mind of their own. It was in the aftermath of a car accident where a seat belt saved my life nearly 10 years ago. An event that served as one of the critical sparks in helping me find some redemption against the serial acts of betrayal that I committed against myself. When we place our faith and allegiance in the wrong places... We are going the wrong way and nothing good can ever come from that. The work that I was told that I had to do... began there.
Dec 16, 202127:07
Episode 15 - Those winding paths of Genealogy
In this episode I reflect on my early reluctance in tracing my roots and the power of dreams. To having a role in mapping out over 200 years of my Family History, becoming a Genealogist and the "Ancestor Whisper" all while receiving love and disaffection juxtaposed with losing myself in a corporate space, it was through understanding the heroism and sacrifice that allowed me and my Family to persevere that I fully began to accept the role that I was told I had to play. History repeats... especially in Families.Â
Oct 10, 202139:25
Episode 14 - Thoughts from the series The Workplace: The omnipresent lesson of hue
On Episode 15.
I discuss the realities of being a Black man in corporate spaces, against the backdrop of layoffs, pandemic, racism, the interview process and how the ability to convert the ugly in my fuel has served to be my saving grace and a bonus teaser at the end... like a Marvel 🎞 movie.
I discuss the realities of being a Black man in corporate spaces, against the backdrop of layoffs, pandemic, racism, the interview process and how the ability to convert the ugly in my fuel has served to be my saving grace and a bonus teaser at the end... like a Marvel 🎞 movie.
Oct 05, 202126:32
Episode 13 - Finding the Center
On Episode 13 ... A reader asked about my pause between episodes (mid season break, no?) So I'm back and reflecting on serial acts of inhumanity juxtaposed against serial acts of goodness, wondering if we are better than the "headlines". As I dig in the crates from some essays from 2017 and 2019 via www.shunpwrites.com with a bonus reading of some new work.
Sep 23, 202120:09
Episode 12 - To be a cruel contradiction
In this episode Shun P. reflects on one of those timeless instances where the darts of racism attempted to relegate his humanity to an afterthought and the strategies that he employed to ensure his survival.
Sep 01, 202119:11