Ben: Israel

Hashké: Navajo Storytelling Through Apparel by Reno Tsosie

How about we try something for a change. Let’s take back the cultural appropriation of Native American prints and styles and actually give the credit where credit is due. And that is why this next guest was exactly what we all needed. Reno Tsosie, founded Hashké [https://www.instagram.com/hashke_ee/?hl=en], a modern menswear company that takes from Navajo culture and amplifies Navajo storytelling through the brand. Hashké [https://www.instagram.com/hashke_ee/?hl=en] is supported by indigenous designers and artists and aims to create an ecosystem of indigenous creators. While you listen, I invite you to close your eyes and be taken to the great Southwest’s open skies and see just how he was inspired to make his brand. All in all, I grew a lot in this episode and I hope you will too. Disclaimer this interview occurred in December of 2020.

Barrio Fridge/ One Wellness

Chef Jazz and Atlantis of One Life Wellness have been so kind to share with me (and now you) their passion for community fridges in Harlem and how it all began from start to finish. Do you want to start a community fridge in your own hometown? This episode will give you the tips on the how tos and why nots. Pro Tip: Don’t give anything you wouldn’t give your own family member. Fact: A food Swamp is where high calorie food fast food  and junk food are more readily available. Do you live near a food swamp? Disclaimer: this was recorded in March of 2021 and Community Fridge 120 is no longer a physical fridge but distributes food to other fridges and supplies mutual aid movements through One Life Wellness [https://www.instagram.com/onelifewellnessnyc/?hl=en].

Shifting Optics by Dung Duong

Have you ever looked back at your life choices and wondered why you made them? How did you arrive where you are now and how you wished you had made different decision? I feel it’s a familiar feeling that we all have had at some point in our life.  Sometimes it's comforting to read how one person's journey was made with the best intentions and they still managed to arrive at a point of success. And that is exactly what you will learn from Dung Duong's story. As a Vietnamese migrant who survived a treacherous crossing fleeing his homeland as a child, to arrive in America and overcome poverty to become a investor and optic engineer. Stories like these encourage us to strive and even if we do not reach our goals, at the very least be okay with the fact the choices we have made.

Migrant Kitchen - Middle East, Palestine And Beyond

The Migrant Kitchen is more than just a restaurant run by two entrepreneurs but a home to migrant workers. The philosophy is based on feeding those who are left behind. The fusion of Middle Eastern and Latin American food is paying homage to the two founders Daniel Dorado and Nasser Jaber. Speaking to Nasser, was eye opening. From learning about how Middle Eastern history is not often taught by those from the Middle East but through the white gaze and his experience as a Palestinian living in Palestine and Israel.

Ben: Israel

It's fair to say that before this interview, Ben and I only knew each other by name so when he graciously agreed to be interviewed, I was impressed by his pose, his poignant cultural comparisons of the USA and Israel and perspective as a member of the LGTBQIA. After learning what brought Ben to the states, it's clear he has lived many lives and has many more to live. Ben is a designer, ex-military and proud citizen of Tel Aviv, a city where the party never stops and gay clubs do not exist but co-exist- figure that!