Hope Dealer with José Rico

The Journey Home: Finding Ancestral Roots and Spiritual Rebirth in Sierra Leone

What happens when we finally listen to the signs that have been guiding us all along? In this breathtaking conversation from the beaches of Sierra Leone, Rico sits down with racial healer and founder of ReKinNectar, L3C, Yvonnie DuBose, who shares her remarkable spiritual journey back to her ancestral homeland. Growing up in Chicago's Ida B. Wells Projects with an unusually strong connection to spirit, Yvonnie describes how she maintained her spiritual gifts despite society's attempts to dim them. "Children are very connected," she explains. "They all are. But we talk them out of that." For twenty years, she suppressed her spirituality during a marriage to someone who questioned whether her gifts were "God-driven" or possibly "satanic" – until a friend's brutal honesty helped her reclaim her true self. The universe works in mysterious ways. When Yvonnie found herself resisting an invitation to Sierra Leone, strange signs began appearing – a swarm of dragonflies, a rare red bat in South Shore Chicago, moths that followed her persistently. These spiritual messengers all carried the same message: step beyond your fear into the unknown. The moment she surrendered and said yes to the journey, everything fell into place. Having discovered through DNA testing her connection to the Mende tribe years earlier, Yvonnie's arrival in Sierra Leone completed a circle. In a moving rebirthing ceremony, village elders named her "Majapo" – mother of children, agriculture, and reconciliation. "I never knew what to call home as a Black woman," she reflects, describing the profound recognition she felt among people whose mannerisms and speech patterns mirrored her family in South Carolina. This conversation invites us all to consider the signs we might be ignoring and the spiritual connections waiting to be strengthened. As Yvonnie suggests, simple practices like meditation can help us tune back into what we already know: "It's a good way to have your subconscious tell you what you already know, but you don't get a chance to listen to." Ready to reconnect with your own spiritual gifts? This episode will inspire you to begin that journey today. F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM [http://amzn.to/4iCzAAM] Get Dr. McBride's book "Becoming Changemakers" to explore more stories of resilience and community transformation. Connect with the Become Center at becomecenter.org or email dmcbride@becomecenter.org.

Ancient Wisdom and Modern Spirituality with Acacea Lewis

Join us for an enlightening journey with Acacea Lewis, the visionary founder of Divine Master Alchemy School, as we explore the intersection of spirituality, science, and cultural. Acacea shares the gift of tea, a symbol of ease and unity, in a world fraught with chaos. Her unique background in Buddhism, geology, and astrophysics provides a fascinating lens through which we discuss the burgeoning acceptance of quantum consciousness, a bridge connecting the realms of science and spirituality. Our conversation takes us through mystical encounters with shamanic medicine in Mexico, guided by a spiritual elder. Discover the power of unity as Acacea recounts transformative experiences with plant medicines like San Pedro and LSD, where the group's inter-connectedness led to profound healing and self-discovery. We also probe into the legacy of Maria Sabina and the richness of indigenous cultures, highlighting the intricate balance between appreciating cultural heritage and avoiding appropriation. Acacea's vision extends beyond personal revelations, as she shares plans for creating safe spaces for spiritual growth in Arizona and Oaxaca. By honoring elders and respecting plant medicines, she aims to foster communities rooted in reciprocity and spiritual richness. Delve into Acacea's journey of cultivating peace in everyday life, confronting the duality of existence, and challenging material pursuits—all while nurturing the eternal qualities of the soul. Prepare to be inspired by her commitment to nurturing genuine community connections and advancing responsible spiritual practices. F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM [http://amzn.to/4iCzAAM] Get Dr. McBride's book "Becoming Changemakers" to explore more stories of resilience and community transformation. Connect with the Become Center at becomecenter.org or email dmcbride@becomecenter.org.

Courage to Love: How Transformation Requires Us to Build Healing Communities

Where do we find hope when systems are breaking down around us? Dr. Dominica McBride offers a profound answer: in the courage to love and connect with each other. Drawing from her family's dramatic journey from Haiti to America—her grandfather was a military leader who rescued people from the Parsley Massacre before fleeing Duvalier's regime—McBride reveals how historical trauma travels through generations. This ancestral understanding now shapes her revolutionary work as founder of the Become Center, where community psychology meets social justice. The conversation explores her groundbreaking "Courage to Love" initiative in Chicago, which tackled infant mortality rates by building neighborhood connections. The results were transformative—bringing together residents who hadn't connected in forty years, creating what participants described as "nothing short of magical." This approach offers a powerful model for addressing collective trauma through community healing rather than individual interventions alone. McBride shares scientific evidence that our bodies physically respond to both oppression and love. Research shows it takes five to six positive interactions to overcome just one negative experience, highlighting why building loving communities matters so much in our current climate of fear and division. As she puts it, "One way to disguise power is by keeping people separate." Perhaps most striking is McBride's reframing of relationships: they aren't luxuries separate from survival—they are survival. When we recognize our interdependence, we discover our collective power to heal and transform our communities. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by current events or seeking practical ways to strengthen your community, this conversation offers both wisdom and actionable strategies for finding hope through connection. Subscribe now to join our community of hope dealers committed to building the future we deserve. F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM [http://amzn.to/4iCzAAM] Get Dr. McBride's book "Becoming Changemakers" to explore more stories of resilience and community transformation. Connect with the Become Center at becomecenter.org or email dmcbride@becomecenter.org.

Land, Identity, and Belonging in Rancho Cuatro Vientos

Ever wondered how the pursuit of dreams can transform a life? Raquel Mendia Nunez, a third-generation Chicana, shares her powerful journey from the suburbs of San Diego to owning Rancho Cuatro Vientos, an emblem of hope and resilience. She opens up about realizing her dreams amidst the pandemic, finding healing in harmony with the land, and the profound strength rooted in cultural pride. Raquel’s story serves as a beautiful reminder of how personal aspirations and community-building can lead to a life filled with purpose and joy. Southern California's vibrant and diverse landscape holds stories of reclaiming identity and belonging, especially for the Raza community. We delve into the complex tapestry of navigating cultural richness against the backdrop of political tensions and apprehensions. Esteemed educator and activist Carlos offers his insights on living with purpose on unceded Kumeyaay territory and highlights the journey of finding visibility in a charged environment. This segment paints a vivid picture of how community engagement and cultural pride can overcome initial fears and foster a sense of belonging. Ethnic studies emerge as a beacon of hope and empowerment, intertwining personal histories with educational activism. We hear from passionate individuals dedicated to justice work, exploring their transformative educational experiences. From childhood influences and academic disengagement to discovering a newfound passion through ethnic studies, these stories underscore the enduring impact of reclaiming identity and fostering community. As connections are forged across borders, personal journeys intertwine with global awareness, offering listeners a glimpse of how hope and purpose can be found even amid overwhelming challenges. F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM [http://amzn.to/4iCzAAM] Get Dr. McBride's book "Becoming Changemakers" to explore more stories of resilience and community transformation. Connect with the Become Center at becomecenter.org or email dmcbride@becomecenter.org.

Decolonizing Healing and Connecting to Spirit

Discover the power of hope and resilience through the inspiring journey of Cheryl Aguilar, the founding director of Hope Center for Wellness in Washington DC. Cheryl, a passionate advocate for the Latino community, shares her personal story as an immigrant from Honduras and her transformative path to healing by embracing therapy despite societal stigma. Her story serves as a testament to the courage it takes to seek support and her unwavering dedication to decolonizing therapy and social work for the benefit of her community. Join us as we explore Cheryl's journey that highlight the healing power of connection and cultural roots. We discuss her return to Honduras and her participation in the Latino Social Work Conference in Oaxaca, which reignited her connection to indigenous practices in social work. Cheryl opens up about her grief journey after losing her father to COVID-19, sharing how it deepened her understanding of identity and spirituality, ultimately leading to unexpected growth and healing. Our conversation also sheds light on the resilience within immigrant communities and the importance of integrating cultural and spiritual practices into therapy. We touch upon the theory of self-psychology and the impact of societal dynamics on mental health, especially in the face of political and economic challenges. Cheryl's insights, combined with her commitment to fostering hope and unity among black and brown communities, offer a powerful reminder of the enduring strength found in shared struggles and the guiding light of hope. F.L.Y. L.I.B.R.E. a guide for healing and liberation can be purchased here: amzn.to/4iCzAAM [http://amzn.to/4iCzAAM] Get Dr. McBride's book "Becoming Changemakers" to explore more stories of resilience and community transformation. Connect with the Become Center at becomecenter.org or email dmcbride@becomecenter.org.