Soil, Shadow, and Spirit

Overcoming Over-Functioning: Leadership Lessons for Black Women

In this episode of Soil, Shadow, and Spirit, Nikki Silvestri sits down with Shirley Johnson for a profound conversation on codependency, leadership, and the essential act of being. Together, they explore the pressures Black women face in leadership, how over-functioning leads to burnout, and the importance of integrating presence and self-care into their roles. In this episode, you’ll hear: 1. A clear definition of codependency and its impact on leadership. 2. Why presence is a radical and powerful leadership tool. 3. Personal stories on how Black women navigate self-care and community leadership. 4. How land and nature offer healing and grounding for Black women leaders. Tune in to explore how Black women can lead through presence and reclaim their full selves in the process. Links of Note: * Soil, Shadow, and Spirit Retreat Series [https://soilandshadow.com/bipoc-leaders] * Soulistic Wellness [https://www.soulisticwellness.com/] Series Executive Producers: Kalliopeia Foundation and Soil and Shadow Sound Engineering: Sonya Harris Music: Galen Silvestri Host: Nikki Silvestri Special Thanks: Shirley Johnson and Noni Limar

Holding Each Other Up: Black Mothers Reflect on Asking for Help, Loss and the Healing Power of Celebration

In this episode of Soil, Shadow, and Spirit, Nikki Silvestri gathers Sarai Crane, Denicia Carlay, Idrissa Simmons, Nataki Garrett, and Shirley Johnson for a heartfelt dialogue about sisterhood, healing, and envisioning the future. Together, these Black women reflect on their experiences of navigating motherhood, reclaiming ease, and finding strength in shared vulnerability as they hold space for each other in their roles as mothers and community leaders. In this episode, you’ll hear: 1. How mutual support among Black women leaders empowers them to face challenges with resilience. 2. The role of sisterhood in addressing and healing from generational trauma. 3. Personal insights on balancing leadership with self-care and honoring the sacred feminine. 4. Reflections on ancestral wisdom and how it shapes their personal and professional lives. Join us for a powerful conversation that celebrates the strength of Black women coming together to heal, grow, and uplift one another. Links of Note: * Soil, Shadow, and Spirit Retreat Series [https://soilandshadow.com/bipoc-leaders] * Village is Possible [https://villageispossible.org/] * Pahara Institute [https://www.pahara.org/] Series Executive Producers: Kalliopeia Foundation and Soil and Shadow Sound Engineering: Sonya Harris Music: Galen Silvestri Host: Nikki Silvestri Special Thanks: Sarai Crane, Denicia Carlay, Idrissa Simmons, Nataki Garrett, Shirley Johnson, and Noni Limar

Unbreakable Bonds: Ancestry, Melanin, and "Just Being Me"

In this episode of Soil, Shadow, and Spirit, Nikki Silvestri welcomes Dr. Janice Mackey and Dr. Marléna Gaspar to explore the connections between Black motherhood, community, and the land. The conversation reveals how these women are navigating the balance between nurturing their families, leading communities, and finding personal healing through deep connections to land and spirit. In this episode, you’ll hear: 1. The role of community in providing a safe space for Black women to express and validate their needs. 2. How grounding practices and land stewardship are part of the journey toward self-discovery and growth. 3. Personal stories from Dr. Mackey and Dr. Gaspar on how they hold space for their families and communities during turbulent times. 4. Reflections on the intergenerational impact of Black women leaders who transform communities through shared love and resilience. Listen in as we celebrate the unbreakable bonds of community, family, and land that sustain Black women leaders. Links of Note: * Soil, Shadow, and Spirit Retreat Series [https://soilandshadow.com/bipoc-leaders] * Young Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism [https://www.yaaspa.org/] Series Executive Producers: Kalliopeia Foundation and Soil and Shadow Sound Engineering: Sonya Harris Music: Galen Silvestri Host: Nikki Silvestri Special Thanks: Dr. Janice Mackey, Dr. Marléna Gaspar, Noni Limar

Parenthood, Play and Neurodiversity

In this episode of Soil, Shadow, and Spirit, Nikki Silvestri sits down with Zephrine "Gemma" Hansen for an intimate conversation on the intersection of motherhood, leadership, and neurodiversity. Gemma, a storyteller, advocate, and community connector, shares her journey of raising children diagnosed with autism while balancing her own evolving roles as a mother, veteran, and land steward. In this episode, you’ll hear: 1. How neurodiversity has reshaped Gemma’s understanding of leadership and community care. 2. Reflections on the challenges of motherhood, family, and the unexpected lessons learned from creating a non-traditional family unit. 3. Insight into the importance of play and creativity in leadership, and how embracing these elements has deepened her connection to her children and work. 4. Gemma’s vision for building intentional, supportive communities for Black mothers and neurodiverse individuals. Join us as we explore the profound intersections of leadership, family, and care. Links of Note: * Soil, Shadow, and Spirit Retreat Series [https://soilandshadow.com/bipoc-leaders] * Hampden Farms [https://www.hampdenfarms.com/] Series Executive Producers: Kalliopeia Foundation and Soil and Shadow Sound Engineering: Sonya Harris Music: Galen Silvestri Host: Nikki Silvestri Special Thanks: Zephrine "Gemma" Hansen and Noni Limar

Transforming Leadership: Black Women, Being Seen and the Power of Play

In this episode of Soil, Shadow, and Spirit: Transforming Leadership, Nikki Silvestri is joined by Dannielle Thomas and Melissa Colbert Taylor for a vibrant discussion about the role of play, joy, and community in leadership. They explore how Black mothers are leading with resilience and grace, while also prioritizing healing, creativity, and the power of play. In this episode, you’ll hear: 1. The significance of play and creativity in leadership, and how it can unlock new parts of ourselves. 2. Reflections on how Black mothers are creating sustainable communities that honor both joy and grief. 3. Insights into the long-lasting impacts of the Soil, Shadow, and Spirit retreat series on personal and professional growth. 4. How leadership for Black women is evolving, combining skills like discernment, emotional intelligence, and strategic care. Dive into this episode to learn how play, creativity, and intentional community-building are reshaping leadership and personal transformation. Links of Note: * Soil, Shadow, and Spirit Retreat Series [https://soilandshadow.com/bipoc-leaders] * Mama Fund [https://www.atlantamutualaid.org/] * Roanhorse Consulting [https://roanhorseconsulting.com/] Series Executive Producers: Kalliopeia Foundation and Soil and Shadow Sound Engineering: Sonya Harris Music: Galen Silvestri Host: Nikki Silvestri Special Thanks: Dannielle Thomas, Melissa Colbert Taylor and Noni Limar