The Roll Down

Book Interview: "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark: Daily Readings for an Anxious World" w/ Cody Balfour

Sometimes in podcasting you create a script but when you start recording, a different conversation happens - that’s what this episode is. What began as a conversation with pastor and author, Cody Balfour, about his book, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: Daily Readings for an Anxious World” turned into an honest and authentic conversation about the Christian faith. We get real as we talk about how some pervert Christianity for power, where we turn when we are feeling anxious, and how important the role of community is as we navigate the world.   Follow and support Cody’s work: Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark: Daily Readings for an Anxious World (you can purchase from wherever aligns with your values) IG: @codyqbalfour   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

DEI: The Psychological Impact of Oppression & Pathways to Healing

This is Part 3 of a three-part DEI series on The Roll Down. In this final episode, Matthew and Alethea turn toward the psychological and nervous-system impacts of colonization, racism, and ongoing oppression—and what healing can look like in the midst of it. Using Polyvagal Theory as a grounding framework, they explore how our bodies and brains adapt to chronic threat through hypervigilance, shutdown, and survival strategies that are often misunderstood or pathologized. The conversation names realities such as racial trauma, internalized oppression, intergenerational grief, imposter syndrome, colorism, and the misdiagnosis of marginalized communities, while emphasizing that these are not “disorders,” but adaptive responses to unsafe systems. This episode offers language, validation, and a compassionate lens for understanding how oppression lives in the body—and reminds us that healing is deeply relational, rooted in safety, co-regulation, and being seen.   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

DEI: The Neuroscience of Memory & History of Colonization and Oppression

This is part 2 of a three-part series on DEI. In this episode, Matthew and Alethea dive into how the brain creates and stores memories—and explore the critical consequences of misremembering or erasing history. We are living in a time when books are being banned, DEI language is being legislated against, and educators are restricted from teaching accurate historical truths. In this context, preserving and sharing accurate history becomes an act of resistance. Matthew and Alethea offer a brief yet powerful overview of colonization, oppression, and racism—drawing connections to today’s political climate, particularly the ongoing dehumanization of immigrants.dd   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

DEI is the New ______

This episode kicks off a three-part series surrounding DEI. In this episode, we break down what DEI is and means, give a brief history about it, and discuss some of the contradictions and hypocrisy from the current administration regarding DEI. While we cannot cover everything that has happened since the inauguration, we wanted to provide some context and lay the groundwork for what is to come in the episodes to follow.   Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast   The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.

State of Our Country, Pt. 2 w/ Danielle Coke Balfour

We have our first guest of the season! Danielle Coke Balfour is back again and joins us as we dive into part 2 of the state of our country. In this episode, we discuss with Danielle her perspective on what’s currently happening with this administration and DEI, and how the past five years got us to this moment. We also talk with her about removing a best-selling product from Target after their DEI rollback, and how she’s continuing to show up and do her part.  Follow and support Danielle’s work: A Heart on Fire [https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-heart-on-fire-100-meditations-on-loving-your-neighbors-well-danielle-coke-balfour/19795761?ean=9781524881221] A Heart on Fire Guided Workbook [https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-heart-on-fire-guided-workbook-100-activities-and-prompts-for-a-life-of-everyday-advocacy-and-self-compassion-danielle-coke-balfour/21085257?ean=9781524888213&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwmaO4BhAhEiwA5p4YL_dmRK9rH_wDZgo-EZKFHeBFQJkokc7nELENTcfoBr3SBZnPI67DmBoC9nAQAvD_BwE] Subscribe to The Everyday Advocate [http://ohhappydani.com] (weekly newsletter) https://shop.ohhappydani.com/ [https://shop.ohhappydani.com/] IG: @ohhappydani    Hosts: Alethea Lamberson & Matthew Melendrez Designer: Cameron Stingley Follow us on IG: @therolldownpodcast The Roll Down podcast is part of the Chasing Justice Podcast Network. To find out more, visit chasingjustice.com.