A place for leadership, inclusion, and expression.
“Being heroic is not repeating the social justice slogans that have already gone viral.”
-Lil Tankie
I’ve really been reflecting on this quote from last week’s episode.
And this week brings us episode 2 of 6 featuring Lil Tankie!
Enjoy!
You can listen to Lil Tankie’s music on all streaming platforms or by clicking here.
P.S.
Want to connect with your creativity and the feeling you get when you boldly share your story?
Then consider joining our brave, messy, awkward, and loving community here.
Original Air Date: August 10, 2020
Imagine coming home from work only to find that your partner of 7 years has completely moved out of the home you shared together.
No warning. No note. No discernible reason.
Just the empty space where that person’s furniture, clothes, dishes, and presence once were.
Ok. Now let’s jump back one year.
Let’s say you were to study your ass off for years. You go through the rigorous and grueling process of medical rotations. You walk across the stage to receive your pharmacy doctorate – only to realize less than 1 year later that this profession isn’t for you.
We all have an origin story.
These are just two of the life events that this week’s guest, 𝐃𝐫. 𝐁𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐜𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 shared with us in this powerful episode.
This interview is personal.
It is vulnerable.
It is transparent.
It is real.
𝐃𝐫. 𝐁𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧 lives the truth that he shares as a holistic life coach, business mentor, and speaker. The core premise of his work is to empower and teach each person he encounters to take control of their mind, body, and life by investing in themselves.
I promise you: you will not regret jumping into this episode. It’ll be a cool pool on a hot summer’s day.
We got real as we talked about mental health, social justice, neuro-linguistic programming, self-awareness, how to transition from loss, and how to move forward when your world falls out from underneath you.
Bryan and I also went deep on men and mental health. We talked about how toxic masculinity and patriarchy keep men in an unhealthy box, and how we can break free from that box.
Most importantly, Bryan made sure that he didn’t just speak in the theoretical or philosophical. He shared tools, steps, exercises, and processes you can use to address the issues that were raised in this interview.
I’m telling you, we went in on this episode.
Here’s my suggestion: hit play and brace yourself.
You can learn more about 𝐃𝐫. 𝐁𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐜𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 through his website; or you can follow him on Instagram
Original Air Date: November 9, 2020
Honor your anger. Honor your pain.
CYRO’s words resonated deeply with me – like a bell used to awaken your spirit.
This isn’t just an interview.
It’s an awakening. It’s a residence. It’s a healing.
I am so grateful that CYRO took the time to sit down and share their passionate and powerful wisdom with all of us.
Leah Kirby, also known as CYRO, creates theatre that incites change and incorporates non-western techniques in order to explore social, economic, and political issues through a non-traditional format.
They are an activist, theatre maker, actor, writer, and drag thing named CYRO.
CYRO is a Queer, Non-Binary, DRAG THING!
They bring strength, beauty, and awareness to the stage with acts like 'Run Rabbit', exploring the struggles of gang induction and violence within black communities, and 'I am not your', a piece that delves into black masculinity within a non-binary body and shows the beauty it can exude by stripping back the facade.
They use spoken word, movement, composition, Lip syncing, and storytelling within their work to incite change through artistic calls to action.
I am telling you: this interview is everything you have been looking for in a THE Celebration episode.
Do yourself a favor.
Hit play.
You can learn more about Cyro through their website, or you can follow them on Instagram.
Original Air Date: August 28, 2020
On this day, Jan 20th, we celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. King, and today on the podcast, I talk to Wally B., an ordained minister, spoken word artist, and the Founder and Executive Director of the Heard Em Say Youth Arts Collective.
In this episode, Wally shares his reflections on MLK and the influence Dr. King had on his life. We dig deep into Wally's journey of transitioning from being a full-time artist to founding his nonprofit back in May 2007 to cultivating Heard Em Say. We also talk about what ultimately led to his decision to transition out of the role of Executive Director and creating a succession plan so that he could continue to grow and serve the community.
You'll hear all about his conversations with God and with his leadership team, and how he redefined what it means to be an artist and a leader. You won't want to miss this episode.
Heard ‘Em Say was created in May 2007 to identify, cultivate and empower youth in activism and advocacy through artistic education and expression. The organization serves over 300 young people a year, providing a healthy social outlet for teens to express themselves through spoken word and performance. His team has competed for years at Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival.
Support Heard Em Say and you can follow Wally on Facebook.
Original Air Date: August 28, 2020
Sales. Salesperson. Closer.
Most people have visceral reactions to these words and phrases, and almost all of us hold stereotypes or preconceived notions of what they mean.
First off, we usually think of a man.
Probably a white guy.
Headset on, maybe.
Yelling, probably.
Definitely intense, right?
Maybe you envision the Wolf of Wall Street, or buying a car?
Here’s the thing.
If you have a life-changing idea, product, service, business, and/or brand, you are going to need to engage in sales.
Even if you’re a nonprofit, you’re selling something.
Even if you’re an activist, you’re selling something.
For my entrepreneurs, business owners and side hustlers: sales is probably one of the biggest roadblocks holding you back right now.
No matter how much exposure, leads, or prospects you get, if you can’t close them – if you’re afraid of sales – it will all be for naught.
Now, this is usually where the tight feeling in our stomachs comes up. Or the explanation for how “my business is different though” starts to make its way into the conversation.
But before we go there. Let me introduce to you this week’s guest: Nina Concepcion.
Nina is here to turn all of your assumptions upside down.
Nina is a master and teacher of Conscious Sales: a co-creation and a synergistic relationship between two or more people that is beneficial for both parties and the rest of the world.
Now I bet that sounds more in alignment with your values, right?
Sales and selling don’t have to be ugly.
When done right, it provides growth, opportunity, and a step forward.
I invite you to take a few minutes of your week and hear what Nina has to say.
Not only will it change your entire perspective on what it means to be in sales, you’ll also have the opportunity to meet a truly remarkable entrepreneur.
In addition, you’ll get to hear Nina talk about:
-How your values drive your life
-How to get your coaching business off the ground
-The power of social media
-What to do on a sales call
-What’s stopping you from moving forward
-How to overcome self-sabotage and step into your inner power
I’m telling you: this interview is essential!
Hit play and let me know what your number one takeaway was.
Be sure to hit Nina up and show her some love → through her Facebook
tomear.me/nc
This one is for everyone who has something important to share, but are doubting themselves.
For those hiding their gifts…
Their vision…
Their passion…
Whether out of fear,
Worry,
Trauma,
Or that lying feeling of unworthiness.
This one is for you.
You are brilliant.
You are enough.
You matter.
What you have to say is exactly what someone, somewhere, in this very moment, needs to hear.
That video you’re thinking about recording…
That course you’re thinking about launching…
That podcast you’re considering starting…
Those words you're itching to start writing…
They are the key someone is looking for to unlock a new essence of greatness.
In case you needed that extra push.
This one is for you.
My guests this week - Jeanne DeClue & Imari Graves - are here for you.
And they want to share this reminder:
Give The People What They Want
Hint: It’s You
If that doesn’t do it for you. Let’s drop the bios.
Jeanne (genie) DeClue is a content strategist who thrives in driving campaigns and products for retail and CPG businesses, software companies, and online publishers. For over 10 years, she’s helped both small business and enterprise platforms solve creative problems and improve user experiences.
Imari Graves is a blogger, social media, and digital marketing specialist. She’s been featured in media outlets like voyage ATL magazine and WALB news 10 in Albany, GA. Her mission is to help small business owners create time and money-saving strategies to take their businesses to the next level.
This is one of my favorite episodes of 2021.
Do yourself this favor.
Hit play on this one.
Dive in.
And remember:
You Rock.
What conversation should we be having on domestic violence?
That is the question that begins this week’s episode.
This week’s episode brings you a panel discussion on domestic violence, stories of Healing & Survival.
My panelists are Sumiyah Mshaka, Dania Alkhouli, and Neda.
Each guest brings their unique insights, story, and experience to this important conversation.
Together, we discussed the misconceptions, myths and misinformation that surround domestic violence.
We also explored ways to support and be there for someone who is currently experiencing domestic violence or is a survivor.
I am grateful to Sumiyah, Dania, and Neda for sharing their stories and journeys with us on this week’s episode.
A theme that arose during the panel discussion was that, even though it may be difficult, is important we have this conversation.
About My Guests:
Sumiyah Mshaka is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and group fitness instructor who comes from a family with a legacy of social justice work. After graduating from the UCLA MSW program in 2004, Sumiyah began her extensive career in social work specializing in mental health treatment and advocacy for youth in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sumiyah taught kickboxing and strength training classes at 24 Hour Fitness for 7 years. She recently started her own online fitness business featuring live virtual fitness classes, 722 Sweat Mvmt. You can follow Sumiyah on IG - https://www.instagram.com/turbosumiyah
Neda is a nurse practitioner in Los Angeles. She does primarily reproductive and prenatal care, and is covid testing all day every day. When she isn’t in the clinic, she’s on the pole doing strong woman things. You can follow Neda on IG - https://www.instagram.com/hijabiluscious/
Dania Ayah Alkhouli is a Syrian writer, blogger, poet, editor, and author. Dania’s work centers on feminism, mental health, sexuality, identity, culture, religion, her war-torn homeland, Syria, and on grief, loss, and death. She has been featured on Buzzfeed and Jubilee Media, and has performed across national venues such as Da Poetry Lounge in Los Angeles, House Slam in Boston, and Busboys & Poets in D.C. You can follow her on IG at @lady_narrator and @acountrycalledsyria.
If you are looking for resources or support on Domestic Violence you can visit https://www.thehotline.org/.
The disclaimer on the website shares:
“Internet usage can be monitored and is impossible to erase completely. If you’re concerned your internet usage might be monitored, call us at 800.799.SAFE (7233). Learn more about digital security and remember to clear your browser history after visiting https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/internet-safety/.”
“You’re Muslim? Really?” This is a question I’ve been asked many times by both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Usually, shock and raised eyebrows accompany the question.
Sometimes, it’s also accompanied by a clenched fist of anger and a feeling of betrayal, with an undertone of, “I thought you were one of us” permeating the question.
It’s fair to say that in the American mindset, there is a dominant image that we picture when we are prompted to envision a Muslim.
For the most part, that picture isn’t of a white guy named Tom hailing from a small rural town in Wisconsin.
In fact, if we were to continue down Stereotype Road, the white guy named Tom socialized in a small rural American town would be the one voting for politicians who want to ban Islam.
Accordingly, given my background, there has been some curiosity as to how I embraced Islam.
Over the years, I have been asked to be a part of a few “viral” videos that explore the Muslim American identity.
Each time these videos were released, I was gifted an opportunity to receive massive feedback on the deeper implications of “Meet a Muslim” type videos.
One takeaway, for me, has been this:
While my story has elements of it that are rich and unique, I also have many social advantages that my fellow Muslims may not. Therefore, there is a real danger that my story is continually elevated over that of other Muslims.
We all have something beautiful and powerful to contribute in the telling of our own stories.
Each time we listen to one another’s stories, it allows us an opportunity to see the world through someone else’s eyes.
I believe this is one of the first seeds of empathy.
This isn’t to discount or minimize my own story: but I do believe that when my story becomes a focal point, we lose sight of the richness of Muslim American experience.
Whenever I am asked to share my experience as a Muslim American – these thoughts occupy my mind as I consider my participation.
Which is why, when my good friend, Chris, asked me if he could interview me about being Muslim, I paused to consider first.
After thinking, I said, “yes, and”:
Let’s do a roundtable where you ask other Muslims about their experiences too.
I’ll record the conversation and share it with my podcast listeners.
He gave an enthusiastic green light to both ideas.
This was decided at 10AM. The interview was scheduled for 2PM that very same day.
Over the next 4 hours, I sent out texts and DMs to my friends asking if they were free at 2PM and if they’d like to be a part of the roundtable.
I am grateful to the guests who agreed to chat with Chris and me on such short notice, and with minimal detail and direction.
Please accept my sincere apologies in advance if you feel your voice is absent from this conversation. Islam has an incredibly diverse following, and I could never do that diversity justice in a one-hour episode.
Now, this may go on the record books as the longest podcast writeup in the history of Tom Earl podcast writeups, so I’ll end it here, but:
My friends – do yourself this favor.
Hit play on this one.
Loneliness is at an epidemic level in this country right now.
This isn’t hyperbole. Multiple studies have confirmed that Americans feel more isolated than ever.
And this was BEFORE our lives and the way we interact with each other was uprooted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even before the masks, sheltering in place, and virtual birthday celebrations became the norm…
...we as a society were struggling to connect with each other.
Given this reality, it makes sense that my most popular episodes in 2019 & 2020 were those that were centered on mental health.
This week’s episode centers on feelings.
Honoring our feelings.
Expressing our feelings.
Regulating our feelings.
Processing our feelings.
Our guest, Dinah, has worked for over 13 years in the fields of health, social work, counseling, and education, and is the founder of a nonprofit organization targeting the issue of sex trafficking.
She has extensive training and experience in the field of restorative practices, and has worked to help schools adopt a trauma-informed approach at the student, staff and organizational level.
She currently works for a university in Los Angeles, where she creates trauma-informed curriculum and trains service providers in Los Angeles County to provide trauma-informed care to the clients/students they serve.
I’ve played back so many moments from this week’s interview in my head, over and over again.
I also had to note down a lot of the wisdom that Dinah shared with me.
For example, she emphasized that our behavior is communication.
This blew my mind.
The follow-up questions and conversations that came out of that took my understanding of mental health to a whole new level.
I’m telling you, this episode is so important.
Do yourself the favor.
Hit play.
To learn more about Dinah, head to her Instagram @dinahmsw
or website
Honor your anger. Honor your pain.
CYRO’s words resonated deeply with me – like a bell used to awaken your spirit.
This isn’t just an interview.
It’s an awakening. It’s a residence. It’s a healing.
I am so grateful that CYRO took the time to sit down and share their passionate and powerful wisdom with all of us.
Leah Kirby, also known as CYRO, creates theatre that incites change and incorporates non-western techniques in order to explore social, economic, and political issues through a non-traditional format.
They are an activist, theatre maker, actor, writer and drag thing named CYRO.
CYRO is a Queer, Non-Binary, DRAG THING!
They bring strength, beauty and awareness to the stage with acts like 'Run Rabbit', exploring the struggles of gang induction and violence within black communities, and 'I am not your', a piece that delves into black masculinity within a non-binary body and shows the beauty it can exude by stripping back the facade.
They use spoken word, movement, composition, Lip syncing and storytelling within their work to incite change through artistic calls to action.
I am telling you: this interview is everything you have been looking for in a THE Celebration episode.
Do yourself a favor.
Hit play.
You can learn more about Cyro through their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @cyrodragthing
