Listen up.
Assata shares her journey of starting a podcast and the importance of keeping God at the center of her life. She reflects on the mistakes she made when she went against God's guidance and the lessons she learned from them. Assata emphasizes the need to simplify her life and let go of things that are not aligned with her calling.
She introduces her podcast, 'Watching the Bloom,' which will explore her personal growth and learning journey.
Intentionality and Discernment in Friendship during Motherhood
Assata and Emily reflect on their 20-year friendship and the importance of having friends who are willing to challenge and wound them for their own growth. They discuss the value of cross-seasonal friendships and the need for community and support in different stages of life. They emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom from others and not isolating oneself. Assata shares her struggle with finding balance between motherhood and personal fulfillment, and the need to model a healthy and fulfilling life for her daughter. Maintaining friendships during motherhood can be challenging due to limited time and the need for alignment in values and lifestyles. It's important to have cup-filling activities and friendships that pour into you. Being intentional and discerning about how you spend your time is crucial. Low-maintenance friendships and same-season friends can be helpful in navigating motherhood. It's okay to prioritize your family and set boundaries, but also important to make time for friendships that align with your values. Building community and seeking out like-minded people is worth the effort.
The Healing Energy of the Jingle Dress: Nurturing the Next Generation
RheaShea DeVilbiss, a member of the Poarch Creek Nation, shares her personal background and connection to her indigenous heritage. She explains the significance of powwows as a celebration of ancestry and culture, where different Native nations come together to dance, eat, and have fun. RheaShea is an old-style jingle dancer, and she describes the origins of the jingle dress dance and its healing energy. She chose this style of dance because it brings her grounding and healing. RheaShea also discusses regalia and the symbolism behind her jingle dress, incorporating her Muskogee culture into her dress. The challenges in preserving traditional dances and indigenous culture include educating the youth about the history and significance of these practices and ensuring that the knowledge is passed down through families and communities. The conversation explores the importance of getting involved in Indigenous traditions and the impact it can have on personal growth and healing. It emphasizes the need for individuals to embrace their culture and find their own ways to connect, whether through dance, language, or community involvement. The conversation also highlights the significance of validation and support from others in the community, especially for younger generations. Memorable experiences shared include the opening of a new powwow arena and the emotional release and healing that comes with dancing. The main takeaway is to encourage people to take that first step and get involved in their culture.
Running for Office: Creating Change and Staying Genuine
Assata and Hale Morrissette discuss their friendship and how they met through organizing. They talk about the importance of building genuine community and mobilizing people. Hale shares their approach to base building, which involves meeting people where they are and creating authentic connections. They also discuss the importance of patience and grace in organizing, as well as setting boundaries when necessary. They both emphasize the significance of motherhood in their work and the need to create a better world for their children. In this conversation, Assata and Hale discuss the importance of setting boundaries and creating space for self-care while being involved in activism and organizing. They explore the distinction between personal and professional standards and expectations, and the challenges of navigating relationships and community dynamics. Hale shares their experience running for office and the reasons behind their decision, emphasizing the need for change and the importance of being genuine and rooted in community. They discuss ways to support Hale's campaign and the impact they hope to make.
MUSIC AS A LIFELINE: THE RESURGENCE OF EMO
In this episode, Assata and Sarah explore their long-standing friendship, the impact of music on mental health, and the shared experiences that have shaped their lives. They discuss the evolution of their music tastes, the role of emo and pop punk in healing, and the cultural shifts in music communities. The conversation also touches on the resurgence of emo music in modern times and the gatekeeping that sometimes occurs within music communities. Ultimately, they reflect on the future of music and its potential to foster conversations about mental health and personal growth.
CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains mention of mental health related topics, including suicide, addiction and self harm, which may be triggering to some.
The Rise & Fall of Band Aid Records
In this episode, Assata reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, sharing valuable lessons learned from her experiences in the music industry and the establishment of Band-Aid Records. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries, recognizing red flags in client relationships, and the impact of personal relationships on career decisions. Assata emphasizes the significance of volunteering and networking while navigating the challenges of sustaining a career in a male-dominated industry. Ultimately, she explores the balance between supporting others and maintaining her own business, concluding with reflections on growth and healing.
Decolonizing Mental Health Practices
In this conversation, Assata, Alefyah and Ashwini discuss the complexities of mental health, particularly for people of color. They explore the challenges of navigating a predominantly white therapy landscape, the importance of decolonizing therapeutic practices, and the impact of systemic issues on mental health. The discussion also touches on the significance of community healing, the role of politics in therapy and the emotional toll of current events, particularly the ongoing genocide in Palestine. The speakers emphasize the need for empathy, understanding and genuine connection in therapeutic relationships, advocating for a more inclusive and culturally aware approach to mental health care.
DeLAY, DEPOSE, DENY
In this conversation, Assata and Megan explore various themes surrounding societal issues, including the impact of capitalism, the criminalization of poverty, and the need for unity across political divides. They discuss the significance of recent events, such as Luigi Mangione, and how these moments can serve as opportunities for collective awakening. The conversation also delves into the failures of the healthcare system and the importance of having difficult conversations with those who hold differing views. In this conversation, Megan and Assata explore the disconnect between wealthy individuals and the realities faced by everyday people. They discuss the importance of class consciousness in political movements, the impact of identity politics, and the role of conspiracy theories in shaping social narratives. The discussion also delves into the symbolism of Monopoly as a representation of capitalism and control, and how media narratives influence public perception. In this conversation, Assata and Megan explore the complexities of heroism, the flaws in historical figures, and the necessity of unity in the face of systemic oppression. They discuss the implications of self-defense in a societal context, the illusion of power held by the elite, and the importance of recognizing small victories in the ongoing struggle for justice. The dialogue emphasizes the need for collective action and understanding in a world that often pits individuals against each other.
LUIGI MANGIONE DEEP DIVE: THE FACTS
In this episode, Assata and Megan delve into the complex case surrounding the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare. They discuss the timeline of events leading up to the murder, the role of the victim in the healthcare industry and the subsequent arrest of Luigi Mangione. The conversation highlights the media's portrayal of the case, the public's response, and the implications of the evidence presented. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the importance of focusing on the truth and understanding the broader context of the healthcare system. In this conversation, Assata and Megan delve into the complexities involving a ghost gun, a fake ID, and the media's role in shaping public perception. They discuss the implications of the evidence presented, the mysterious circumstances of the suspect's background and the family's reaction to the unfolding events. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating the narrative created by the media and the importance of understanding the facts as they emerge.
The Road to Fascism: Lessons from the Mangione Case
In this conversation, Assata and Megan delve into the recent charges against Mangione, including first-degree murder and terrorism. They discuss the implications of these charges, the media's response and the public's perception of violence and justice. The conversation highlights the disparity in how different acts of violence are treated by the government and media, raising concerns about the potential for a police state and the rise of fascism. They emphasize the need for solidarity among the public against the ruling class and the importance of understanding the broader implications of these events.
Encore: Motherhood, Music, and the Magic of Live Shows
In this engaging conversation, Assata and Sarah are back again exploring their shared love for live music, the nostalgia of their first concerts and the impact of music on their lives as single mothers. They discuss the evolution of music experiences, the significance of festivals like Warped Tour, and the importance of connecting through music. The conversation highlights personal growth, the challenges of motherhood and the desire to relive the magic of their youth through music. In this conversation, they reflect on their personal experiences with live music, particularly at festivals like Warped Tour. They discuss the nostalgia associated with concerts, the impact of music on their lives and the changing landscape of music festivals. The conversation also delves into the economics of concerts, the accountability of artists and the importance of community engagement in the music scene. Ultimately, they explore the complexities of enjoying music while grappling with the problematic behaviors of some artists.