Stirring Up Shift

Voter Disenfranchisement

Join me as we look into voter disenfranchisement through direct ways or from behind the scenes during the election process. Gerrymandering, Super PACs, and more. Participating in elections feels like a burden to many, more so now than ever, what have been some recently revealed causes? And longstanding practices? What are some small steps we can take to begin to stir up shift?

The Illusion in U.S. Politics

The power of language, the framing and centering of beliefs and "identities" matter because of their impact on the rhetoric and discourse that influence and construct our society and culture. Join me as I dive into key reminders when going into this Tuesday's election surrounding the structuring of our state and federal governments, the importance of civic engagement for the democratic process and the weight of propaganda and misinformation. A disengaged and disempowered proletariat only serves the few. 

Remembrance on Indigenous People's Day: A Reflection of Past & Present

The discourse surrounding the celebration of Indigenous People's Day vs "Columbus Day" continues as the country denies reckoning with its own history of its founding. This history exists past and present as the fruits of colonization remain largely unacknowledged or blatantly ignored. The recentering of indigenous peoples in this narrative is crucial for our society to come to terms with the oppression, assimilation, and appropriation of indigenous communities and culture.
 
 
References/Resources/Recommendations:
 
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)
 
Federal Boarding Schools
Origin of Names of U.S. States | U.S. Dept of the Interior
Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative | U.S. Dept of the Interior
Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative | U.S. Dept of the Interior
Video: Unspoken: America's Native American Boarding Schools (Part One) | PBS
Unspoken: America's Native American Boarding Schools (Part Two) | PBS
Struggling with Cultural Repression | National Museum of the American Indian - Smithsonian
U.S. Indian Boarding School History | The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition
 
"Indian" Removal Act
Remembering the Trail of Death and its Impact on the Potawatomi People
The Potawatomi Trail of Death | The History Museum
Immigration and Relocation in U.S. History: Native American | Library of Congress
Trail of Tears | History.com
The Indian Removal Act and the Trail of Tears | National Geographic
(Video) How the Brutal Trail of Tears Got Its Name | Smithsonian Channel (Youtube)
 
Christopher Columbus
Was Christopher Columbus a Hero or Villain? | Biography.com
Why Columbus Day Courts Controversy | History.com
Christopher Columbus | Britannica.com
 
Sand Creek Massacre
(Video) UNUM Short: Remembering the Sand Creek Massacre | PBS
Sand Creek Massacre | Britannica.com
 
Osage Murders
How Marriage and Murder were Used to Steal Osage Oil Riches | History.com
 
Additional
Butchered Tongue Lyrics (Hozier) | Genius Lyrics
Understanding the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis Beyond Individual Acts of Violence
Indiana Statehood | IN.gov
Oklahoma | History.com
Skunk, Bayou, and Other Words with Native American Origins | Merriam-Webster

Why Choose Love?

Welcome back for the latest season!
This episode lays the groundwork for later episodes as I utilize this message and practice of "Choosing Love." While it is quick to consider the transactional notion of this word and practice, I focus on continuing the effort and shift to re-envision what can be meant and taught surrounding this word and all connecting ideals. All forms of love are not something to be earned through "respect" and "authority" but is in actuality connected to the intrinsic value already within each of us and all other aspects of nature. Love is an act and a practice, not something owed or held; it's a way of life that is cultivated and developed throughout our lives. The "Choose Love" Movement by the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation is an exceptional example of this idea in practice. Visit their linked homepage to learn more about the foundation, their impact, and their movement or if you're interested in utilizing their curriculum. 
 
 
References/Resources/Recommendations:
 
Choose Love Movement Official Homepage
Choose Love Movement Program Overview
Choose Love Movement Educator Guide

Social Determinants of Health

Have you ever wondered why some parts of health are easier than others or why others are able to have better health than you? It may not just be a you problem. Join me in the season finale as I discuss what is meant by the social determinants of health, what goes into them and examples, and what that means for us. 
 
References/Resources: 
Social Determinants of Health | Benton-Franklin Health District
Social Determinants of Health | Healthy People 2023
Understanding Social Determinants of Health | Illinois Department of Public Health

Advocacy and Activism

What is advocacy? What is activism? Why can protestors be so annoying? If you have thought or questioned this in light of current events, check out this week’s podcast as we cover the topic and famous movements throughout history.
 
Resources/References
What is the Difference Between Advocacy and Activism? | Commons Library
Activism Defined: What is Activism | Masterclass
The History of Student Activism in the United States | Teen Vogue
In pictures: A lookback at student protest movements in the US | CNN
 
 

Maternal and Infant Mortality post-Roe v. Wade

What’s up with maternal health and healthcare in the US? What is going on with EMTALA? While states with abortion bans be able to ignore this federal policy? Do you live in a maternity care desert? Why is the maternal mortality rate increasing in the US?
If you’ve asked any of these questions or want to find out the answers, join me in this week’s podcast episode!

Roe V Wade

Agree or disagree, Roe V Wade has changed the landscape of healthcare in many states that support or oppose the decision — out of state travel bans, lawsuits for inadequate healthcare, and concerning statistics from states with restrictions or total bans. 

Violence & Brutality in the US

What does the military industrial complex and the militarization of our country’s police forces have in common? Did Kaepernick kneeling bother you? What about BLM? Join me in this week’s episode as I discuss this and so much more!

Military-Industrial Complex

Have you ever wondered what was meant by the “military-industrial complex” or who popularized the term? Or how former-President Eisenhower is involved in the current affairs of our country? Join me as I discuss this and much more! 
 
Resources/References:
Military-Industrial Complex | Britannica
Military-Industrial Complex | History.com
Eisenhower Farewell Address Resources
Eisenhower Farewell Address (Reading Copy)