Simply Neighbors

Episode 6: Beauty and Trust Both Take Time (One Year Recap)

This episode marks (almost) one year of Simply Neighbors! Co-Hosts Evangeline, Donovan, Stephanie, and DaQuavion sit down together to give updates on what has happened in the past year, reflect on each of the conversations with our guests, and look forward to the year to come. In this conversation, the co-hosts reflect on what makes a community strong, how to build trust across differences, and what it looks like to honor a legacy through telling stories. This episode is dedicated to our first guest on the podcast, Patrick Shannahan. Cleveland Mediation Center [https://www.clevelandmediation.org/] Jane Jacobs: Book [https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/30833.The_Death_and_Life_of_Great_American_Cities] and Documentary [https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/citizen-jane-battle-city-0] Connect with us! * Visit our website: Simply Neighbors [https://www.simplyneighbors.org/] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/simply_neighbors/] This episode is made possible through the support of Neighbor Up. [https://neighborupcle.org/]

Episode 5: The Power of People (feat. Tanmay Shah)

In this episode, Evangeline, Donavan, and DaQuavion chat with Tanmay Shah, the new Ward 12's Council Member. They dig deep into the difficult thorns and promising blooms of local government and community organizing, always reinforcing the power that every neighbor has to shape their neighborhood for the better. Tanmay shares about his background and heart for the city of Cleveland and speaks transparently about the difficulties Ward 12 currently faces. However, increasing investment and communication between neighbors means that the future is hopeful, and we take time to appreciate the growth already taking place. This episode is made possible through the support of Neighbor Up. [https://neighborupcle.org/] Connect with us! * Visit our website: Simply Neighbors [https://www.simplyneighbors.org/] * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/simply_neighbors/] * Connect with Tanmay Shah [https://www.clevelandcitycouncil.gov/council/council-members/ward-12]

Episode 4: The Neighbor Night Blueprint: Cultivating Abundance (feat. Moses Ngong)

In this episode of Simply Neighbors, DaQuavion sits down with Moses Ngong [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-ngong/] to dive deep into the heart of the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood in Cleveland, OH. Together, they explore the transformative power of Neighbor Nights—a local initiative built on the belief that every resident has something valuable to contribute. Moses shares insights into the "down-to-earth" practice of neighboring, moving away from a mindset of scarcity and toward one of agency and abundance. Whether you are looking to strengthen your own local ties or are curious about community organizing, this conversation will challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and see your neighbors in a whole new light. This episode is made possible through the support of Neighbor Up [https://neighborupcle.org/]. Connect with us: * Visit our website: Simply Neighbors [https://www.simplyneighbors.org/] * Follow us on: ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/simply_neighbors/] * Attend Neighbor Night [https://www.nwneighborhoods.org/events/neighbor-night]

Episode 3: Turning Conflict into Collaboration (feat. Nikki Hudson)

What does it take to transform neighborhood tension into a powerful community partnership? In this episode, Stephanie, Donovan, and DaQuavion sits down with Nikki Hudson [https://www.clevelandcitycouncil.gov/council/council-members/ward-11], the soon-to-be councilwoman for Cleveland’s new Ward 11. Nikki shares her heart for grassroots organizing and recounts inspiring stories of how building authentic, local relationships can bridge divides and spark real change. Whether you're a long-time resident or a new neighbor, join us to learn how deep listening and neighborhood-led action can reshape the places we call home. Resources mentioned in this episode: * Neighbor Up Action Grants [https://www.simplyneighbors.org/] * Northwest Neighborhoods CDC [https://www.nwneighborhoods.org/] * Westown CDC [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.westtowncdc.org/] * Simply Neighbors Website [https://www.simplyneighbors.org/] * City of Cleveland Ward 11 Resources [https://www.clevelandcitycouncil.gov/council/council-members/ward-11] This episode is made possible through the support of Neighbor Up. Follow us on: ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/simply_neighbors/]

Episode 2: Finding Your Why: Faith, Family, and Flowers (feat. Marsha and Brian Parker)

What happens when you trade the familiar for the unknown and find a "heart for the city" in the process? In this episode, DaQuavion sits down with Brian and Marsha Parker, neighbors from just a few streets over, to discuss their journey of moving to Cleveland and building a life rooted in community. From the complexities of interracial marriage and the role of faith in their daily lives to the beauty of vocational calling, the Parkers share how they’ve leaned into values throughout their lives and now embody these practices at home and in the community. You’ll also hear about the inspiration behind Marsha’s floral business, Refined Gatherings [https://www.refinedgatherings.com/], and how she uses her craft to bring people together. Resources mentioned in this episode: * Refined Gatherings Floral Design [https://www.refinedgatherings.com/] * Simply Neighbors Website [https://www.simplyneighbors.org/] This episode is made possible through the support of Neighbor Up [https://neighborupcle.org/]. Follow us on: ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/simply_neighbors/]