The Homeless Aren't Who You Think They Are

What does a "pro-immigrant" organization look like?

Episode 9 is all about immigration.  Lydia Yousief is the leader and founder of the Elmahaba Center in Nashville, TN.  The centeris a  Coptic-led organization that is inclusive, inter-sectional, and  inter-generational, serving all Arabic-speaking immigrants, refugees, and  their children and anyone who asks for help in Nashville.  Many organizations claim to be pro-immigration but what does that mean?  What does true inclusiveness look like with regards to immigration, asylum seekers and refugees?  Lydia describes the experience an immigrant might have, the obstacles they face and what the Elmahaba Center is dong to support them.

What Will Planned Parenthood Do Now?

With the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade I wanted to learn more about the impact this decision will have.  On this episode I interview Jessica McDuffie-Massey.  Jessica is the Director of Philanthropy at Planned Parenthood of Tennessee & North Mississippi.  Jessica is also a lawyer, advocate, feminist but possibly her most important role is being the mother of two.  With two young daughters her bigger purpose is making sure this world is a better place for them.  Jessica tells us her Why, discusses abortion issues and what role Planned Parenthood will play moving forward.

The Homeless Aren't Who You Think They Are

What narratives have you heard about the homeless?  That they are "lazy and don't want to work or on drugs or drunk"? In this podcast I interview Nicole Minyard.  Nicole is the founder of the non-profit Daybreak Arts which provides support to the homeless through art.  Nicole has been building relationships with the homeless for over 10 years.  In this podcast Nicole explains that most homeless people are more like the average person than we realize.  Many families in America live paycheck to paycheck and with affordable housing becoming harder to find, this problem is sure to get worse. Nicole comes armed with a plethora of stats to explain the nuances and even suggestions on how to help solve this problem facing so millions Americans.

Defending the Wrongfully Convicted

Innocent people are sent to prison.  Sometimes for lifetimes.  Sometimes they are executed. Why? How does this happen? And why should you care?  On this episode I interview Jason Gichner.  Jason is the senior legal council for the Tennessee Innocence Project.  Jason has spent his professional career defending people from an unjust system.  He tells us how people are wrongfully convicted, what they go through regarding the appeals courts, problems with the current legal system and many more issues surrounding this heartbreaking and inspiring topic.

Addison's Transgender Experience

How many transgender people do you know? Have you ever sat down and had a conversation with them? This conversation with Addison Darrow, a transgender woman, is that opportunity.  We make a lot of assumptions in life.  Not just about others but even our own lives. This episode is eye-opening and self-reflective. We dig deep into the trans experience, mental health, puberty blockers, anti-trans laws, pronouns, transgender sports bans and much more.  If you are looking to learn more about the trans experience then Addison is just the person to tell you about it!