The Be-In Podcast

Episode 004: Adina Crawford — Unfit for Inclusion? Breaking Barriers of Race and Body Bias in Wellness

A conversation with Adina Crawford, wellness advocate, yoga instructor, and diversity ambassador, about her late-in-life journey into fitness and her mission to make wellness spaces inclusive for all. Adina opens up about growing up feeling awkward and excluded from physical activity, her experience with obesity, and the turning point that led her to reclaim her health, her joy, and her voice. The conversation explores the barriers to inclusion in wellness—from racism to body bias—and how Adina is working to dismantle them by showing up, speaking out, and making space for those who’ve long been left out. We talk about the emotional power of movement, what true inclusivity looks like, and how joy, presence, and connection can become tools for transformation. Join us as we dive into what it means to claim your space, to challenge who wellness is for, and to use your story as a force for change.

Episode 003: Manny Lopez--From Orphan to CEO

A conversation with Manny Lopez, international speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of MANNYfestation, about his journey from foster care to building a purpose-driven business that now empowers thousands. Manny shares how his early experiences shaped his mission to serve others, and how mentorship, mindset, and meaningful connections can transform lives. The conversation explores how Manny turned pain into purpose, the importance of leading with service, and how business can be a platform for impact. We talk about entrepreneurship as a tool for empowerment, the value of giving without expectation, and how each of us can become a resource to others—no matter where we start. Join us as we dive into what it means to live a life of purpose, to show up for our communities, and to build a world where success is measured by how much we uplift others.

Episode 002: Travis Patton, Sr. -- Reclaiming Our Stories, Reclaiming Our Power

Featuring Travis Patton, Sr. — storyteller, podcast host, and advocate for authentic connection When Travis wrote Tell Me Sumthin’ Good during the pandemic, he never imagined it would become a movement. But that’s exactly what happened. In this powerful episode, he joins Jen to talk about how sharing his truth transformed his life—and how it can transform our culture, too. Travis opens up about what it means to find your voice after being silenced, to heal through humor, and to reclaim your worth even when the world says you're not enough. His message? Your story is valid, your healing matters, and your truth can set someone else free. This conversation is about presence, peace, and the power of connection—the heartbeat of The Be-In Initiative. Tune in to hear how we can all make space for grace, speak from the soul, and Be-In it together.

Episode 001: Rev. Kevin Peterson--Building the Beloved Community: Racial Justice and Reconciliation in Boston

A conversation with Rev. Kevin Peterson, Boston-based activist and founder of the New Democracy Coalition, about the deep-rooted issues of racial injustice and the ongoing fight for equity in Boston and beyond. Rev. Peterson shares his journey from growing up in Philadelphia’s Black Pentecostal community to becoming a leading voice for civic engagement, voting rights, and racial justice. The conversation touches on Boston's history as one of the most racially segregated cities in the U.S., the legacy of slavery, systemic racism, and the pressing need for reconciliation. Rev. Peterson passionately discusses the role of education, public dialogue, and reparations in building a multiracial democracy. His vision of the "Beloved Community," inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., calls for courage, unity, and justice, as Boston strives to confront its past and reimagine a more inclusive future. Join us as we explore how each of us can play a part in transforming our communities, and how Boston can lead the nation in addressing these historic inequities.