REMARKABLY ORDINARY CONVERSATIONS

Beyond Canvas, Pastels, and Oils - The Inventor, Robert Coghlan

In this episode of Remarkably Ordinary Conversations with Dwight and Denise, artist and inventor, Robert Coghlan, reveals how his childhood loss of sight paved the way to his lifelong vision. Robert exposes the intersectionality between trauma and triumph. At a very early age, starved for the light of sight, Robert recounts how regaining his vision catapulted him into a deep appreciation for colors, shades, shapes and textures, admittedly, the birth of the artist. For Robert Coghlan the creative, his artistic work is not confined to canvas, pastels and oils. He has extended his reach into the world of inventions. Fueled by his sensitivity to human injustice and the responsibility to craft a better world, Robert embarked on an inventive journey to moderate the ills of man’s inhumanity to man. As a consequence, he brought to life LAMP, the Local Authority Mobile Platform, a socially responsive invention to moderating human-to-human encounters with law enforcement, first responders and other local authorities. Robert reminds us that those who bend toward the side of justice must do the work required.

Conversation with Dr. Denise-Margaret Thompson,

In this episode of Remarkably Ordinary Conversations with Dwight and Denise, Dr. Denise-Margaret Thompson takes us on her personal journey, which lies at the intersection of family, fellowship and faith. Early exposure to Swiss L’Abri has evolved into a commitment to the ideals of A Rocha, and stewardship of the environment through the creation of a nature study center in Trinidad. She recounts the earliest positive influences of her parents, who modeled community, fellowship, and the value of education. Moreover, they instilled in her and her siblings a deep awareness and appreciation for Christian values. Today, this is expressed in her service to the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, where she works with Black graduate students and faculty as they navigate the interplay of faith and work. Dr. Thompson is collaborating with like minds to celebrate the scholarship of the African Diaspora as the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent approaches its end. In every situation, Dr. Thompson brings all of herself.

The Story of Your Stories: Celebrating Filipino-American History Month

In this episode of Remarkably Ordinary Conversations with Dwight and Denise, Kathryn Serrano, entrepreneur, creative, author, and historian, shares her journey from her younger self to “Auntie” to her Future Ancestor. In her children’s book Kalayaan, "Filipina Heroines of World War II" Kathryn introduces her young readers to nine Filipina women whose heroism changed the course of Filipino history as they battled for their freedom. In Kathryn’s desire to create community, she discovers that she is enough. That we are enough. In her latest project, Future Ancestors Podcast Kathryn and her cohost Jason Encite explore the Filipino American experience through a series of conversations with those who live it.

Esteban Serrano Part 2: 50 Years of Hip Hop

In this episode of Remarkably Ordinary Conversations with Dwight and Denise, Hip Hop historian, producer, author, and father of three boys, Esteban Serrano reveals how Hip Hop has shaped his life and defined his role as a father. Esteban explores the perceived nuance between Hip Hop and Rap. He skillfully points out how Hip Hop as a lifestyle has influenced world culture in the form of musical expressions—Rap, Drill, Trap—and other forms of storytelling of urban life. As a storyteller, in his thought-provoking self-help book, “The Ten Dad Commandments: Fatherhood Through the Lens of Hip-Hop,” Serrano challenges the preconceived negative notions about Hip Hop culture and recasts them into a user-friendly “Ten Commandments” guide, admittedly inspired by the genius of The Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls. Esteban argues that these nuggets aka Commandments can be practiced by any father, regardless of proximity to Hip-Hop culture. Esteban explores the hard truth about the financial inequities that remain in the industry but is hopeful as he sees the expression at 50 years as still being in its infancy.

Esteban Serrano Part 1: 50 Years of Hip-Hop

In this episode of Remarkably Ordinary Conversations with Dwight and Denise, Hip Hop historian, producer, author, and father of three boys, Esteban Serrano reveals how Hip Hop has shaped his life and defined his role as a father. Esteban explores the perceived nuance between Hip Hop and Rap. He skillfully points out how Hip Hop as a lifestyle has influenced world culture in the form of musical expressions—Rap, Drill, Trap—and other forms of storytelling of urban life. As a storyteller, in his thought-provoking self-help book, “The Ten Dad Commandments: Fatherhood Through the Lens of Hip-Hop,” Serrano challenges the preconceived negative notions about Hip Hop culture and recasts them into a user-friendly “Ten Commandments” guide, admittedly inspired by the genius of The Notorious B.I.G., Biggie Smalls. Esteban argues that these nuggets aka Commandments can be practiced by any father, regardless of proximity to Hip-Hop culture. Esteban explores the hard truth about the financial inequities that remain in the industry but is hopeful as he sees the expression at 50 years as still being in its infancy.