Though fears about rising fascism in the US are rampant at the beginning of Donald Trump's 2nd term, there has been a wide-spread increase in fascist movements world-wide over the past few decades, and today's guest, Craig A. Johnson, has studied them and educates about them through his Fifteen Minutes of Fascism podcast, and through his new book, How to Talk to Your Son about Fascism. Interweaving lessons from history, recent trends & technologies, and sound strategies for dealing with the creep of fascist ideas into our children's lives, Craig provides much-needed resources to correct course for our country. Craig's Ph.D.
I am so grateful when I find people working for a better world from the depths of their spiritual tradition, and that's exactly what today's guest, Mirele Goldsmith does. She is an environmental psychologist, something that I didn't even know existed, and she is co-founder of the Jewish Earth Alliance. Together these activists lobby our legislators in the direction of environmental sanity and sustainability, both in person and by doing virtual visits, and they build the energy and commitment of Jews across the country toward Earthcare. Find more resources at adamah.org. Mirele Goldsmith joins us from Bethesda, MD.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Jewish
Chloe Schwenke is a teaching professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy of Georgetown University, and has keen observations about the incredible damage, destruction, and death being visited upon Africa and many other areas by the Trump administration's reckless attack on US Agency for International Development, USAID. And the reason Chloe knows so intimately about their work is due to the 15 or so years she spent working in various countries in Africa, first as an architect, and then transitioning to work in international affairs, focusing along the way on gender equality, social inclusion, governance, peace-building and human rights. In 2012 she was appointed by the Obama administration as Senior Advisor on Human Rights at the Africa Bureau of the USAID.
Rebecca Pidgeon brings to her music influences as disparate as her early years in Massachusetts, life through early adulthood in Scotland, professional decades in England, then more than 20 years in Los Angeles. In addition to her singing/songwriting, Rebecca is an actress, and her ability to inhabit diverse minds and persons is reflected through her incredibly versatile songs and styles, all compelling. While her guitar, bass, autoharp, or keyboards will all surround and carry you, it is her voice that will compel you with the power of the sirens. Though her early music was performed with the Scottish folk-pop band, Ruby Blue, she has produced 11 solo albums since her move to the US.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Presbyterian, Jewish, Yoga
Linda Marks is an amazing creative woman and prolific singer/songwriter. I was drawn to her and her music by the image she shared online of dancing with God, something I've felt myself. In addition to music, Linda has impressive achievements as a body-centered psychotherapist, lifework counselor, social architect and author of two books. While life challenges kept Linda from pursuing her calling to music post-college, she's come back to the calling with energy and clarity, releasing 15 albums in just 12 years, with no end in sight. Find some of her music on YouTube. Linda Marks lives just outside of Boston, MA.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Music, Nature
Some 15 years ago Maaria Mozaffar began as a civil rights lawyer & mediator, and since then her work has grown to center around both education and legislative advocacy, crafting & organizing legislation centered on religious freedom and rights. As a Muslim, Maaria sees more clearly the tilt, and sometimes the walls, that US society builds against minority faiths and ethnic groups. Based in Illinois, her successful advocacy has included the Halal/Kosher Law in Public Institutions, the Faith Behind Bars act, and the establishment of January 17th as Muhammad Ali Day, and these and more laws are being replicated in other states as well. She's the author of the book More than Pretty, and founder of The Skinless Project.
This week is the conclusion of our visit with the amazing & inspirational Peter Samuelson about his new book, Finding Happy: A User's Guide to Your Life, With Lessons From Mine. You'll laugh, cry, gasp, pray, & get wiser though all the stories, insights, & lessons that Peter shares. In addition to the 27 movies he has produced (Revenge of the Nerds, Finding Henri, Wilde and Tom & Viv, etc), Peter has founded 8 non-profits to improve the lives of so very many people through the work of Starlight Children's Foundation, First Star Academies, EDAR (Everyone Deserves A Roof), & more.
Tret Fure, last with us for Song of the Soul in 2011, joins us to share her second sharing from the soul. Tret was among a group of women's music powerhouses of the 1970s and 1980s who were inspirational and transformational for the country, and for me, personally. With her gentle but resolute heart, and her deep musical talent, Tret calls listeners into community and growth. Tret joins us from Newport News, Virginia, for her second Song of the Soul.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Unitarian Universalist
All featured music is written & performed by Tret Fure:
Roses In November - from Roses in November
Monuments - from Stone By Stone
You've likely encountered Peter Samuelson through his work in the movie industry, like with his movies Revenge of the Nerds, Finding Henri, Wilde, and Tom & Viv, but you may or may not have known of the amazing & extensive work he's done through his non-profits, like Starlight Children's Foundation, First Star Academies, and EDAR (Everyone Deserves A Roof). You'll learn about them & much more in his new book, Finding Happy: A User's Guide to Your Life, With Lessons From Mine, much more than a autobiography or memoir, really a mentor in print form, especially for young folks, and a source of great stories & motivation.
Makaela Joy is a delightful mix of whimsical and heartfelt, doing her own thing while drawing on inspiration of great women writers/singers of decades past. She can deliver "La Vie en Rose" beautifully, emote a hymn like "In The Garden," or convey her grief about her brother's passing through her "Apples," all with perfect tone and intention. Makaela is a self-described quiet/shy girl, though you'll have every reason to request that she not remain quiet as you hear her music. Makaela Joy joins us from Tacoma, Washington.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Nondenominational Christian, LDS/Morman
All featured music is written & performed by Makaela Joy:
Man on the Moon - from new CD