2 SIDES OF THE SAME CONVO

Released on March 2 as a tribute, this episode of 2 Sides of the Same Convo honors Black History and Women’s History by lifting up the life, legacy, and ancestral impact of Mama Miles, and the living continuation of that legacy through her son, Thaddeus Miles.This conversation is not about accolades — it is about lineage. It is about the prayers, discipline, sacrifice, and love of a Black woman whose work continues through the life she poured into. Through Thaddeus, we see how ancestry is not something we look back on, but something that walks with us, guiding decisions, values, and service.Mama Miles’ life reminds us that some legacies do not end — they move forward. This episode stands as both tribute and testimony.

In honor of Black History Month, this episode goes behind the history—spotlighting Katrina Hobbs-Everett’s community leadership and the quiet work that shaped lives. Joined by Adrian Delgado, we reflect on youth, mentorship, and how real impact carries forward across generations.

2 Sides of the Same ConvoBelonging, Privilege, and the Work Between UsWhat does it really mean to belong in a place that’s still figuring itself out?In this episode, we sit down with Chris to unpack life in New Hampshire beyond the stereotypes—talking race, class, privilege, parenting, public safety, and what it means to show up for communities that aren’t always built with everyone in mind. From biracial families and cultural identity to education, mental health, workforce development, and political tension, this conversation moves past soundbites into lived experience.This isn’t about sides—it’s about responsibility, intention, and the quiet work happening between neighbors who refuse to give up on each other.Real talk. No shortcuts. Two sides. One shared future.

In this powerful episode of Two Sides of the Same Convo, we sit down with Tamara Soraluz — a lifelong youth worker, social worker, and leader who has spent her career serving young people who are often overlooked by systems and society.Tamara shares her story of immigrating to the United States from Peru at age 10, watching her parents sacrifice everything to build a better life, and how those experiences shaped her purpose and commitment to service. We talk about culture, leadership in Lawrence, building trust with young people, and what it means to lead with consistency, integrity, and humanity—especially in times when immigrants feel targeted and unheard.This conversation is real, reflective, and necessary.

We sat down with Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio for a wide-ranging discussion.Diana shares her journey from growing up in the Merrimack Valley to becoming a constitutional officer elected directly by the people—and why her office’s role goes far beyond financial audits. She explains how performance audits impact real lives: child welfare, mental health access, public transportation safety, supplier diversity, and equity across state agencies.The conversation pulls back the curtain on the resistance her office has faced while attempting to audit the state legislature—even after a 72% voter-approved mandate. Diana speaks openly about discouragement, leadership, hope, and why giving up is not an option when communities are at stake.

🎄 The 12 Episodes of Christmas1️⃣ Episode of Christmas@MIKEDEEZInfluencer | Local Celebrity | Drummer | Host & Event PromoterThe pulse of the city. Through humor, authenticity, and lived connection, MikeDeez brings people together—on stage, online, and in real life. Whether hosting events, promoting culture, or setting the rhythm behind the drums, he reminds us that influence is most powerful when it feels like home.

🎄 The 12 Episodes of Christmas2️⃣ Episode of ChristmasRickey Fuquan McGeeFounder, The Harriet Tubman ProjectA leader forged through restraint and responsibility. From unifying people behind the wall to educating and uplifting others through legal literacy, Fuquan shows that freedom is not an endpoint—it’s a platform.

🎄 The 12 Episodes of Christmas3️⃣ Episode of ChristmasSolarBornFounder, Boys Out The Hood (B.O.O.T.H.) | Community OrganizerRooted in Dorchester and connected to Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation, Solar Born’s work centers young men, identity, and direction. B.O.O.T.H. creates space for growth, discipline, and belonging—helping youth imagine futures beyond the margins placed on them.

🎄 The 12 Episodes of Christmas4️⃣ Episode of ChristmasJarome McNultyUTEC Fellow | Emerging Adult MentorA steady guide for the next generation. Through his fellowship with UTEC, Jarome supports emerging adults with mentorship grounded in consistency, accountability, and belief—meeting young people where they are and walking forward with them.

🎄 The 12 Episodes of Christmas5️⃣ Episode of ChristmasJoe RowellDirector, Life After Prison | Director, PowerCorps BostonJoe Rowell is Boston raised—rooted in Roxbury and shaped by Grove Hall. His connection to the city is lived, not learned, informed by generations of culture, community, and change.Through his leadership at Life After Prison and PowerCorps Boston, Joe champions entrepreneurship and economic infrastructure as pathways to long-term stability. His message is simple and urgent: showing up is no longer enough—now we must show up prepared to build.

🎄 The 12 Episodes of Christmas6️⃣ Episode of ChristmasDana JacksonBehavioral Health Mentor & Trauma Response Advocate | Former Credible Messenger, EOPSSA practitioner of presence, Dana Jackson bridges systems and community—from correctional facilities to hospital trauma rooms—showing up when pain is raw and healing is urgent. Beyond frontline care, he is also a clothing line owner, operator, and distributor, using entrepreneurship as another pathway for expression, stability, and impact.

Donald Osgood Sr.Community Healing Leader | Trauma Response AdvocateDonald Osgood Sr. is Boston born and bred, rooted in the South End with more than five decades of lived connection to the city. As a longtime leader in community healing and trauma response, his work bridges street knowledge and public health—moving communities from crisis to care. Donald brings credibility that can’t be taught, grounded in lived experience, accountability, and decades of showing up after harm.At the Break & Bread Invitational, he represents the OGs of the work—reminding us that healing requires trust, truth, and people who’ve walked the road themselves.

🎄 The 12 Episodes of Christmas8️⃣ Episode of ChristmasPastor | Founder, Healing Our LandPastor Franklin Wendell Hobbs is a Boston-based faith leader whose work bridges ministry, justice, and community healing. As the founder of Healing Our Land, he has spent over two decades serving incarcerated and marginalized communities through reentry support, public health, and civic engagement. His leadership extends inside county jails, where he educates individuals about their right to vote and restores dignity through access and information.At the Break & Bread Invitational, Pastor Hobbs represents faith in action—meeting people where they are and staying committed to their restoration.

🎄 The 12 Episodes of Christmas9️⃣ Episode of ChristmasMike Curry |
Co-Founder, Life After PrisonA bridge-builder whose leadership proves that transformation doesn’t end at release—it begins there. Mike’s work centers access, belonging, and real opportunity for people coming home.

🎄 The 12 Episodes of ChristmasAll footage captured from interviews at the First Annual Boston Break & Bread Invitational🔟 Episode of ChristmasStacey BordenFounder & Executive Director, New Beginnings Reentry ServicesA quiet force of restoration. Stacey builds real pathways for people returning home—centering dignity, structure, and humanity while redefining what successful reentry looks like in Massachusetts.

🎄 The 12 Episodes of ChristmasAll footage captured from interviews at the First Annual Boston Break & Bread Invitational1️⃣1️⃣ Episode of ChristmasDr. Rufus Jackson-FaulkCo-Owner, The Mix | TEDx Roxbury SpeakerA builder of spaces and experiences. From the kitchen to the wait staff, his support of Break & Bread reflected excellence, hospitality, and alignment—proving that where we gather matters just as much as why.

🎄 The 12 Episodes of Christmas1️⃣2️⃣ Episode of ChristmasJoseph BennettFounder, Yard Time EntertainmentA Boston original whose life sits at the intersection of truth, transformation, and community power. From exoneration to national storytelling, Joseph reminds us that redemption paired with purpose can change cities—not just narratives.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Pastor Kenneth Young to unpack what it means to lead, believe, and build community in a time when institutions are breaking down and people are breaking open.We talk faith under pressure, institutional betrayal, restorative justice, loneliness, racism, SNAP cliffs, and the role Black churches still play as anchors in turbulent times.This is a raw, honest conversation about finding hope, building safety, and reshaping community when the world feels unstable.

In Episode 8, we sit down with producer and community activist Kane Major—a hip-hop head who grew up in small-town New Hampshire but earned his place in a culture built far from where he was raised.

In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Andy Polanco from Lawrence whose life reflects the complexity, beauty, and struggle of the city that raised him. From growing up surrounded by street culture, neighborhood brotherhoods, and survival norms, to becoming a youth worker, domestic-violence advocate, and community leader — he breaks down how opportunity, accountability, and honesty can change everything.We explore the evolution of Lawrence, the impact of white flight, policing, loyalty culture, learned masculinity, and how language, isolation, and control become precursors to violence. He shares why communication and transparency are lifelines in relationships, why men must unlearn harmful norms, and why short-term interventions aren’t enough — real healing requires investment, resources, and time.This episode is a blueprint for public safety rooted in love, community wisdom, and showing up for the next generation.

In this powerful new episode of 2 Sides of the Same Convo, Dennis and Mike welcome a long-time friend into the studio for the very first time — and what unfolds is one of the most honest, heartfelt, and transformative conversations yet.What happens when two childhood friends who once fought each other in the schoolyard sit down as grown men to unpack decades of loyalty, friction, identity, violence, shame, and healing? What does reconciliation really look like when the world around you tries to pull people apart? Whether you’ve ever struggled with a lifelong friendship, carried unspoken trauma, or tried to bridge worlds that don't always understand each other, this episode will sit heavy on your heart and hopeful in your spirit.This is what Two Sides was built for.This is how we move forward — together.

On this episode of 2 Sides of the Same Convo, we sit down for an unscripted and real conversation with State Representative Andy Vargas.No speeches. No podium. Just people talking.We get into:Growing up between worlds — the hill, the middle, and the hustleFinding identity when you don’t “fit” any one boxWhy Andy chose to come back home instead of “getting out”Building community, raising a family, and learning to slow downThe cost of leadership — and the grace required to sustain itThis is about roots, responsibility, and staying connected to where you’re from.If you’ve ever tried to balance who you are with who you’re becoming… this one will speak to you.Listen. Reflect. Share it with someone who loves this city too.

What shapes our identity — the things we’ve lived through or the choices we make after?In this powerful conversation, Mike and Dennis unpack the idea of identity — from growing up biracial in two different worlds, to breaking free from the boxes society tries to put us in. They share raw stories of survival, transformation, and the ongoing fight to stay true to yourself when the world wants to define you.

In Episode 3 of Two Sides of the Same Convo, Dennis and Mike introduce their first official guest: folk singer, nonprofit founder, and unapologetic activist — Aaron Tornburg.What begins as a lighthearted conversation quickly evolves into a deeper reflection on the courage required to challenge systems, protect communities, and keep hope alive.Aaron performs two original songs — “Only Good Vibes” and a powerful tribute to a 100-year-old protester named Kay, who stood up for civil rights until her final days.This episode reminds us that:✅ Art attracts the people who care✅ Advocacy has many forms✅ Our voices are needed — even when history feels like it’s repeatingJoin us as we explore creativity, courage, and how community keeps us together, not alone.

In this powerful and uncomfortable episode, Mike and Dennis dive into the fallout of a public execution that has shaken the country. They explore how rhetoric, influence, and media addiction collide — and what happens when words meant to provoke end up costing lives.From the dangers of online echo chambers to the moral limits of freedom of speech, the hosts wrestle with grief, accountability, and the human impulse to react before we reflect. This is 2 Sides of the Same Convo at its rawest — direct, reflective, and deeply human.

In the very first episode, Mike and Dennis sit down with no script, no filters, and one big question—what should we even call this podcast? As the conversation unfolds, they take listeners behind the mic, reflecting on their upbringings, the lessons that shaped them, and the shared purpose that brought this project to life.Meanwhile, Andy Polanco listens off-camera, quietly watching the chaos, laughter, and vulnerability that set the tone for everything to come.This is more than a podcast—it’s the start of a movement built on honesty, growth, and two sides of the same convo.