Soulversations

Soulversations #27: Kenneth Mejia & Jane Nguyen: Knowledge Is Power, Campaign Dad, Stacking Moves

In this episode we sat down, connected, learned from Kenneth and Jane, 2 Angelenos who serve their communities and fellow neighbors on the daily, fully committed to that work and mission. Kenneth was a congressional candidate in 2018, served with the LA Tenant's Union, and is running to be the LA City Controller in the 2022 election. Jane is a co-founder of Ktown For All, a volunteer-led organization that serves our unhoused neighbors in Ktown, and is Kenneth's campaign manager. It's dope to see the energy, the compassion, and the knowledge that they share and continue to embody in their service of community. As they educate Angelenos on how decisions are being made and make the finances of the city transparent, it's powerful to see the process of people becoming empowered and gaining a deeper understanding of the systems at play, and how each of us individually can create impact and change. They also go about their work with a joy, enjoying 5$ gourmet pizza, dance parties, and got into their childlike wonder with us. Much love to each of you humans behind the work of making sure we're taking care of each other! 

Soulversations #26: Mary and Jenny: Loving Yourself, Coming Out in Your 30's, Personal Transformation

This episode of Soulversations was a powerful one to partake in, to learn from, and to be witness to. We sit with 2 people in the community who are lights of joy, energy, and love, Mary and Jenny! They bring the courage in sharing their personal journeys of coming out in their 30s. It's an absolute beautiful listen of vulnerability and reflection on life, while at the same time discovering who we are, and who we continue to evolve into. It's a true conversation on loving yourself as a human being in progress and process. Much love to Mary and Jenny for their light! 

Soulversations #25: Mike, Addy & Odin: Quarantined Life, Spousal Games, & an Interrupted Podcast

In this episode we had the great honor of being present, spending time, and feeling the laughs and energy of Mike, Addy, and Odin! We've shared the journey of life alongside Mr. Mike Song since our UCI days and the SPOP program - and to continue to connect in pure childlike wonder and reflection 15 years later is really a blessing of life. Along his journey he and Addy found each other, and the world has been better for it ever since. They are soulmates in the purest sense and it emanates when spending time with them, and their most precious good boy, Odin! Being fully present in the moment - we had a few things to flow with, as the podcast stopped recording during the deepest and most reflective part for 30 minutes, and we noticed right as we had gotten through that part. I guess it was meant for it to be lived and experienced, and not recorded! Also, Yooney's mic wasn't working as we noticed in the playback, so it all lead us to one conclusion: A part 2 with Mike, Addy, and Odin! But enjoy a truly soul rejuvenating time with these two. 

Soulversations #24: Home-y Made Meals

In this episode we catch up with the operations team of Home-y Made Meals - a Covid-19 first-responder mutual aid project started by Polo's Pantry & Eayikes that's served over 47,000 homemade meals to people experiencing houselessness in Los Angeles. We get to know the humans behind this project and a peak into how they're able to sustain joy through such a challenging year.

Soulversations #23: Leading With Love, High On Life, Food As Justice

In this episode we had the honor, the pleasure, and the experience of being able to sit down, listen, and learn from two warriors of the people Melissa Acedera and Silvia Hernandez. These dedicate their lives to the service of others. Whether it be: access to food, housing, social issues, community building, these two are in the thick of it - Leading with love and fighting for justice and for the full dignity of all people. From Nor Cal, to Oxnard, to LA, to Coachella Valley, to farm workers, to unhoused neighbors, to our immigrant populations, to fellow Angelenos, they show up ready to serve, armed with joy and full hearts! Thank you for blessing us with your life force, perspective, and an example of how our work can nourish us so deeply!

Soulversations #22: Melissa Acedera: Humble Servant, Bjork Lover, Food Justice Warrior

In this space and conversation we sit down with someone who we follow, admire, and are inspired by - Our friend and sister, Melissa Acedera. She's known to the world as a fierce food justice advocate, a protector of human dignity, a community leader, an ambassador of her Filipina culture and someone who is tireless in the pursuit to feed and care for anyone in need. To connect with her on the layers of her faith, her personal journey, her real time reflections, and her love for music was a profound experience for us. She spoke, we listened, we learned, and most of all we got down on the levels of the souuuuuuuul! 

Soulversations #21: Jordan Ching: Your Vision As A Creator, Sharing Game, Meditation

In this episode we're sitting down with the homie Jordan, who is a filmmaker, business boss, creative, visionary, vegan, burner, Bay native, witch, app creator, meditator, and mother of Harley. We had Lance on this episode as well. In the time that Lance has been living with us, he's been soaking up so much and running the pantry for Homeymade Meals. He's also been seeking to start some new ventures for himself, so the opportunity to chop it up with Jordan and learn from her was a must! Check out our conversation in its raw form - and hear about Jordan's journey, creative process, and her sharing game and wisdom with Lance! 

Soulversations #20: Omar & Gabriel: From the Dental Chair to a Deep Connection

In this episode we're connecting in a 3 way podcast in Denver with Omar and Gabriel. Omar, a dentist met Gabriel during an appointment, and they instantly connected, chatting for a couple hours. Gabriel, is a veteran and budding chef, with a fascinating life story. It was a powerful opportunity to learn about Gabriel's life and experiences, and listen to him reflect on all of their chapters and season. During the session it was clear that Gabriel was feeling the flow, and was speaking from his soul. Check out our conversation!

Soulversations #19: Courage, Compassion, and Wonder when in a Rut?

Hi all. I was working on the newest episode that had an interview, and in the process of working on it, I had to acknowledge I just didn't have the capacity in me for it. I usually put out the episodes every Thursday, and in the moment - I wanted to honor where I was at, take a break, reflect, and re-collect myself. I've been in a bit of a rut for the past couple weeks. An over thinker with nothing but time at home to ponder, the loop of repetitive days and the prospect of uncertain futures had begun to wear me down. I had gotten away from the habits of self care that kept me balanced, and everything felt just a bit dampened in life. So, in the way that heals and refreshes me the most I wanted to take this episode to exhibit some courage, compassion, and wonder for myself, and just express. Thanks for taking the time to listen and holding space for me as I work through :) 

Soulversations #18: Coach Chewy: Mortality, Being an underdog, Life as an athletic director

In this Soulversations we connect with an old friend and influence Chewy! We met 15 years ago at UC Irvine and he's been a big part of my life journey throughout. He's gone through life with a heart of resilience and pushing through, taking on the biggest challenges in his life, whether it was being a head coach for the first time to now taking on a role as an athletic director. We talk about the thoughts around getting older, the realities of our mortality, and the decisions that come along with that as well. I'm proud of this man's journey, and thankful that he's a lifelong friend.