All Episodes - According to Weeze
Welcome to According To Weeze, with me, your host, Louiza Doran, aka Weeze. I believe that liberation requires of us the ability to imagine, to re-imagine what is into what could be. It requires us to think outside of what is currently possible to become architects of possibility.In each episode, I’ll examine and explore everything from pop culture to current events and trends through this lens in a candid and conversational way. It’s like being a fly on the wall to a really lit coffee date (or me just talking to my dog, Lola) but from the comfort of your own home. I hope this spurs curiosity and conversation for you all. Catch you on the airwaves or in the Patreon!
View Podcast Details45 Episodes
Evangelical Christianity & Zionism with Dr. Kimberly Rose Pendleton Pt. 2
In this podcast episode, Dr. Kimberly Rose Pendleton and I discuss the rise of evangelical Christianity and its influence on politics, particularly in relation to Zionism. We explore the defining characteristics of evangelicalism, such as the belief in the literal interpretation of the Bible and the mission to control public policy. We discuss the connection between evangelicalism and Zionism, highlighting the belief that the end times will involve a battle in Israel and the annihilation of the Jewish population. The conversation sheds light on the power and organization of evangelical Christians in shaping political agendas and the need for greater awareness of their influence. Tune in to hear all about: - Evangelical Christianity is characterized by a belief in the literal interpretation of the Bible and a mission to control public policy. - Evangelicals have been influential in shaping political agendas, particularly in relation to issues like abortion and Israel. - There is a strong connection between evangelical Christianity and Zionism, with many evangelicals believing that the end times will involve a battle in Israel and the annihilation of the Jewish population. - The power and organization of evangelical Christians in politics is often underestimated, and there is a need for greater awareness of their influence. Resources: www.kimberlyrosependleton.com www.kimberlyrosependleton.com/book Connect & Support : Instagram Patreon Substack Join the Collective
Evangelical Christianity & Zionism with Dr. Kimberly Rose Pendleton Pt. 1
In this podcast episode, Dr. Kimberly Rose Pendleton and I discuss the rise of evangelical Christianity and its influence on politics, particularly in relation to Zionism. We explore the defining characteristics of evangelicalism, such as the belief in the literal interpretation of the Bible and the mission to control public policy. We discuss the connection between evangelicalism and Zionism, highlighting the belief that the end times will involve a battle in Israel and the annihilation of the Jewish population. The conversation sheds light on the power and organization of evangelical Christians in shaping political agendas and the need for greater awareness of their influence. Tune in to hear all about: - Evangelical Christianity is characterized by a belief in the literal interpretation of the Bible and a mission to control public policy. - Evangelicals have been influential in shaping political agendas, particularly in relation to issues like abortion and Israel. - There is a strong connection between evangelical Christianity and Zionism, with many evangelicals believing that the end times will involve a battle in Israel and the annihilation of the Jewish population. - The power and organization of evangelical Christians in politics is often underestimated, and there is a need for greater awareness of their influence. Resources: www.kimberlyrosependleton.com www.kimberlyrosependleton.com/book Connect & Support : Instagram Patreon Substack Join the Collective
Protecting Peace or Protecting Privilege? PT 2 W/ Elizabeth DiAlto
In this episode Weeze chats with Elizabeth DiAlto, known for her nuanced, inclusive, and humor-infused approach to spirituality and the healing arts, Elizabeth DiAlto is an Embodiment Specialist and a Spiritual Futurist. They explore what it means to focus on living a value’s centered, peaceful and soft life, while honoring and dancing the line between protecting our peace and protecting our privilege; oscillating on this line, while honoring community and reciprocal relationships. In this second part of the episode, they also touch on recognizing incompatible connections, allowing people to be who they are and honoring those who cannot dream within our own work. Tune in to hear all about: - Transitioning work focus from online to in-person teaching and a new book - Solo polyamory, dating experiences, and healing toxic masculinity - Exploring controversial topics through fiction writing - Midlife women's personal growth and freedom from resentment - Perpetuating systemic racism through social media algorithms and censorship - Weaponizing the phrase "protecting your peace" Resources: https://www.jonathanldent.com/ https://untameyourself.com/links/ https://www.instagram.com/elizabethdialto/ https://www.wildsoulmovement.com/ Connect & Support: Instagram Patreon Substack Join the Collective
Protecting Peace or Protecting Privilege? PT 1 W/ Elizabeth DiAlto
In this episode Weeze chats with Elizabeth DiAlto, known for her nuanced, inclusive, and humor-infused approach to spirituality and the healing arts, Elizabeth DiAlto is an Embodiment Specialist and a Spiritual Futurist. They explore what it means to focus on living a value’s centered, peaceful and soft life, while honoring and dancing the line between protecting our peace and protecting our privilege; oscillating on this line, while honoring community and reciprocal relationships. They also discuss Elizabeth’s recent book release, “Dark Healing: Order of Secret Priestesses, Book 1”, and how her book touches on themes of healing, self-love, and liberation, and the importance of breaking open and connecting with one's sacredness. Tune in to hear all about: - Transitioning work focus from online to in-person teaching and a new book - Solo polyamory, dating experiences, and healing toxic masculinity - Exploring controversial topics through fiction writing - Midlife women's personal growth and freedom from resentment - Perpetuating systemic racism through social media algorithms and censorship - Weaponizing the phrase "protecting your peace" Resources: For the Love of Men W/ Weeze Doran http://instagram.com/elizabethdialto Connect & Support : Instagram Patreon Substack Join the Collective
Hood Wellness PT 2 W/ Tamela Julia Gordon
In this two part conversation, Weeze talks with Tamela Julia Gordon, a writer and editor from New York. Tamela Julia Gordon’s book, Hood Wellness: Tales of Communal Care from People Who Drowned on Dry Land has been met with critical acclaim, earning a starred Kirkus Review. Tamela’s currently working on her second book and splitting her time between Harlem and Miami. Weeze and Tamela explore layers centered on Community Care, Authenticity and staying rooted in the truth of your work, and honoring your community as well as your capacity as we navigate these aspects.They also talk about the need to be within community with those who see, hear, and honor us. Key Takeaways The importance of community care Tamela shares her journey of writing 'Hood Wellness' and the process of reconciling her own experiences. The conversation highlights the limitations of anti-racism work and the importance of authentic and community-centered approaches to activism and self-care. Promoting a book while maintaining integrity and authenticity can be challenging. Working at your own capacity in activism. Connect & Support: Instagram Patreon Substack Join the Collective
Hood Wellness PT 1 W/ Tamela Julia Gordon
In this conversation, Weeze talks with Tamela Julia Gordon, a writer and editor from New York. Tamela Julia Gordon’s book, Hood Wellness: Tales of Communal Care from People Who Drowned on Dry Land has been met with critical acclaim, earning a starred Kirkus Review. Tamela’s currently working on her second book and splitting her time between Harlem and Miami. Weeze and Tamela explore layers centered on Community Care, Authenticity and staying rooted in the truth of your work, and honoring your community as well as your capacity as we navigate these aspects.They also talk about the need to be within community with those who see, hear, and honor us. Key Takeaways The importance of community care Tamela shares her journey of writing 'Hood Wellness' and the process of reconciling her own experiences. The conversation highlights the limitations of anti-racism work and the importance of authentic and community-centered approaches to activism and self-care. Promoting a book while maintaining integrity and authenticity can be challenging. Working at your own capacity in activism. Connect & Support: Instagram Patreon Substack Join the Collective
Hi Friends, I'm Back!
The show is baaaaaaack! We know it’s been a little bit… and Weeze is excited to reconnect. If you’re tuned in on social media or substack, you’ve been dialed in to the shifts, changes and transformations that have been afoot. In this short and sweet chat, Weeze rehashes what’s been up, how things are shifting, what is pulling her forward and what you can expect as you dive deeper into community with Weeze whether through the Podcast, the Community or over on Patreon. How do we continue to show up for community without first practicing and more deeply embodying the work we teach? In this episode, Weeze shares candidly about her journey towards deeper alignment with her work, and values. Tune in to hear about all the things! Lastly, Weeze would love for you to get involved with her foundation, The Asafa Collective through Volunteering, Donating and Sharing about the work (linked below). Key Takeaways: Rest, Transformation and Alignment as Liberation Tools Broadening the Conversations and Applying Liberatory Lens Cultivating space for the full work Get involved with The Asafa Collective; volunteer, donate, share. Rewriting all the rules, all the time Links: Support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/accordingtoweeze Share, Donate, Volunteer for with the Foundation: https://www.doranfamilyfoundation.com/ Dive deeper into the work: https://louizadoran.com/collective Stay Connected: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze/
1948 to Freedom: From Yaffa
Mx. Yaffa is an acclaimed disabled, autistic, trans, queer, Muslim, and indigenous Palestinian individual who has received multiple awards for their transformative work around displacement, decolonization, equity, and centering the lived experiences of individuals most impacted by injustice. In this session, Louiza “Weeze” Doran speaks with Yaffa regarding their experience as a displaced indigenous Palestinian, who has lived in multiple countries during war and revolutionary movements. They share about their family’s experience of displacement in Palestine, the family that still lives in Gaza, and more. Yaffa also shares about their work in the Muslim community around Sexual & Gender diveristy as the Executive Director of Muslim Alliance for Sexual and Gender Diversity (MASGD), and their forthcoming book regarding the same experiences. Resources: Ebook Preorder Now Paperback Preorder Link – Coming Soon Virtual Book Launch 11/13 Yaffa’s Instagram: @yaffasutopia Yaffa’s Tiktok: @yaffasutopia Yaffa’s Linktree Transcript Here: https://1948tofreedom.com/2023/10/30/session-2-yaffa/
1948 to Freedom: From Palestine To Lebanon
In this session, Louiza “Weeze” Doran talks with a biracial Palestinian whose family fled Palestine during 1948, landing in Lebanon and later in the United States. They share insight from their lived experience, as well as, point us to research and tracked data regarding the experiences of those in Palestine. From refugee experiences during the Nakba to refugee camps, to Palestinian rights to Israeli apartheid, to mental health and resistance to settler colonialism. They state, “And so part of our rage about the reaction to certain things, to only certain communities, is that these decades and decades and decades of violence have been literally unknown, ignored. I mean, by everyone, forever, and yet, suddenly, they’re worth attending to and I would say they’re absolutely worth just like they’ve been worth attending to, for the last 75 plus years.” Resources: More Learning: – https://www.jadaliyya.com/ More On Apartheid: – https://jewishcurrents.org/understanding-apartheid – https://www.btselem.org/apartheid – https://thisisapartheid.btselem.org/eng/#1 Transcript Here: https://1948tofreedom.com/2023/10/30/session-3/
1948 to Freedom: From Gaza
In this session, we speak with a Doctor from Gaza. For their safety and protection, their voice has been altered. There is a transcript below for easier listening. This Doctor shares important data and experiences to keep in mind regarding the day to day lived experience of those in Palestine, centralized in Gaza; from manufactuered poverty, to education, to the power grid, to daily struggles of families before and after 10/7/2023. Transcript Here: https://1948tofreedom.com/2023/10/30/session-1-from-gaza/
The Enneagram Journey with Jessica Dickson
At this point we all know all about the Enneagram, right? Wrong. Take what you think you know and set it aside. I am honored to have Jessica Dickson here with me today. Jessica is an Enneagram genius and an antiracism educator, and a RAY OF SUNSHINE! She is utilizing the inner work of the Enneagram, with the context setting of antiracism, to create healing environments for her clients and we are lucky to have her share some of that with us today! Join me as I sit down with Jessica and dig into the challenges that come along with the Enneagram, why embodiment work has to come first, and the problematic practices that have been involved with both. We’re exploring: The goal of body love and how it may need to start with body relationship and loyalty What exactly Enneagram is, and how can it drive our liberation work How our social conditioning changes how we access ourselves Why it’s important to allow yourself to hold on to your protection Dealing with labels specific to being a certain “type” Getting underneath a behavior to find the motivation driving it Avoiding healing work that “tells” you what you are and what to do Why tests are not the best way to find your Enneagram And so much more!! Mentioned in this episode: The Enneagram for Black Liberation: Return to Who You Are Beneath the Armor You Carry by Chichi Agorom https://bit.ly/Theenneagramforblackliberation Listen to Episode 36 with Elizabeth DiAlto HERE Catch up with Weeze! Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/ Instagram: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy Get to know Jessica and sign up for her courses at https://jessicaddickson.com/ Instagram: @jessicaddicksoncoaching
Embodiment is for EVERY-BODY w/ Elizabeth DiAlto
So many people are doing embodiment work these days, but very few people are doing it in such a genuine and successful way as Elizabeth DiAlto. She is known for her raw, honest, and nuanced approach to spirituality and the healing arts and is an Embodiment Specialist, a Mystic, and host of the Embodied Podcast (3M+ downloads!) You will want to pay attention to this one, Elizabeth brings intention, honesty, and joy to every conversation, and this one is no different so let’s dive in! We’re exploring: What embodiment really means and where it comes from Why embodiment work is and should always remain inclusive How we become so disconnected from our own bodies Distinguishing the difference between what is yours to own and what is someone else’s The 5 pillars of embodied self-love framework Trauma response vs trauma reaction Treating yourself with the gentleness you would give a child “Red and green flags” to look for in embodiment work The two things any good embodiment work will do So much more!! Puerto Rico is suffering. If you want to help please use the following as guidance as to where your funds can do the most work. https://docs.google.com/document/d/18ap-PEnQfi1PVg2gCYEjh3jOoFKlgE1gS-wDqOUECio/edit?usp=sharing Created by La Corilla, “a group of women from the Puerto Rican diaspora channeling urgent relief efforts after hurricanes María and Fiona”Twitter: @lacorilla Catch up with Weeze! Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/ Instagram: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy Get to know Elizabeth and join her community: http://untameyourself.com/wssb Listen to Embodied with Elizabeth DiAlto: https://untameyourself.com/podcasts/401/ Website: http://untameyourself.com Instagram - @elizabethdialto
Liberation is Not a Commodity w/ Bobby Morgan
Y'all, buckle up! We are about to have a very honest conversation about liberation and living liberated. Today I sit down with Bobby Morgan to talk about the WORK of liberation work. Bobby is the founder and principal consultant at Liberation Lab, a company focused on working with educators and administrators to promote equity and culturally responsive teaching practices. We are talking about the direction of our work, how we got here, where we are going, and the dangerous trend of commodifying liberation. It’s not all unicorns and rainbows, but it’s all important conversation! We’re exploring: Seeing and getting to know ourselves outside of the limitations of oppression Awakening to who we can be and not what was placed on us as a lens of survival How liberation fails if we are not leading with love and empathy What we mean when we say we want to be put out of business Untangling ourselves from the work that we do The dangerous ways liberation has been coopted and commodified - how liberation has become a brand Cancel culture vs redemption culture - offering chances to apologize and learn How we build a transformative space of community And so much more!! Catch up with Weeze! Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/ Instagram: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy Get to know Bobby and check out his work here: https://www.myliberationlab.com/ Facebook & Instagram - @liberation.lab Twitter - @myliberationlab
An Emotional Work in Progress w/ Corey Evan Leak
What does it mean to live with softness and to have access to all of your emotions? How do we lead with that gift and impart it to others? Corey Evan Leak is a prime example; as a podcaster, writer, and anti-racism educator, he is using his platforms to help others find peace and belonging. Corey and I sit down today and talk about his article Angry Black Man and where that term comes from, about the work needed to access all of our emotions, and learning new ways to show up. We’re exploring: The only default emotion society has allowed to men - how anger becomes a security blanket Letting go of our lizard brain and thinking about our reactions Releasing who society says you need to be Shedding the stigma of therapy and breaking cycles of generational trauma Wearing masks and code-switching as mechanisms of self-preservation Addressing the privilege of therapy and how we can access help when we are ready Catch up with Weeze! Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/ Instagram: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy Get to know Corey and check out his article here: https://coreyevanleak.com/angry-black-man/ Website: https://coreyevanleak.com/ Instagram: @coreyevanleak Listen to Existential here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/existential/id1478020806 If you are seaking welcoming and affordable therapy options help can be found https://openpathcollective.org/
Why We Won’t Shut Up About Liberation Work
What IS liberation? What does it mean personally and professionally? Today I am sharing a crossover episode with Julia “Motherfucking” Wells, business coach and host of the podcast “Wait, What the Fuck?” Julia and I are discussing how no one can escape social narratives, how we all have our own work to do, and now liberation looks different for all of us. Are you ready for your liberation journey? We’re exploring: The questions to ask yourself so you can get what you REALLY want Why doing the personal work is imperative to the business work The importance of community and guidance in your liberation journey What Julia and I wish we had known in the beginning Understanding that better doesn’t mean easier Introducing our new community space two years in the making - Hella Liberated! And so much more!! Hella Liberated, the membership: https://www.hellaliberated.com/hlm Get to know Julia! Website: https://www.juliacwells.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliamotherfuckingwells/ Catch up with Weeze! Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/
Patriarchy Blues w/ Frederick Joseph
Whether it's white supremacy, patriarchy, or capitalism, we've all internalized these structures and we all need to be unpacking and unlearning them at all times. This isn’t a sprint — it’s a marathon and it's grueling and uncomfortable. Are you ready to wake up and choose this work? Joining me today is Author, disruptor, activist, friend and change agent Frederick Joseph, who is passionate about showing you the path out. We’re exploring: The gaps Frederick is filling with his books Questions to ask yourself when doing your internal work Boundaries or being a vessel for entertainment and why this has to change The way we think about parenting now is robbing all of our children Are you a feminist? — my answer and why I believe this Understanding the system of whiteness and your proximity to it And so much more! Digging the podcast & wanna show Weeze some love? Buy her a coffee here (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Thanksweeze) Ready to jump into the community conversation? Join The Academy (https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy) at any level to get access to the podcast Facebook group and behind the scenes content! Catch up with Weeze! Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/ Instagram: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy Connect with Frederick Joseph: Website: https://www.Frederickjoseph.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredtjoseph/ The Black friend book: https://frederickjoseph.com/the-black-friend Patriarchy Blues book: https://frederickjoseph.com/patriarchy-blues
Intrapersonal Activism: ReClaiming our Personal Power
What does peace really mean to you? How do we define pleasure? Society has siloed pleasure to the bedroom, but it is really how connected you are to ALL of your senses in the day to day. Today I sit down with my dear friend, Terra Lyn Anderson, my partner in our new 7-month course Pleasure & Peace, to talk about living in pleasure and personal liberation. Terra has devoted their life to being a conduit for the healing connection between body and mind for both individuals and the collective. Join us as we get deep into the conversation around helping others understand what personal liberation really means and what intrapersonal activism is. We’re exploring: How we worked to create a process to help people understand what “by way of their own liberation” means Our new “I” of oppression that Terra and I have added to the list The importance changing focus from helping everyone else (which is AMAZING) to helping liberate yourself Understanding we have all been taught to adhere to oppressive system, and unlearning these internalized these narratives The way we are defining “INTRApersonal activism” and how it differs from INTERpersonal activism Learning to balance your truth with maintaining your personal safety, and allowing yourself to make those necessary choices in the given moment Looking at the work you can do inside yourself, for yourself, to be a larger part of social change And so much more! Join our new course - Pleasure & Peace Get to know Terra! Website: www.embodyemerge.com IG: @embodyemerge Professional FB: https://www.facebook.com/terraanderson.embodyemerge Business FB: https://www.facebook.com/embodyemerge Catch up with Weeze! Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/ Instagram: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy Digging the podcast & wanna show Weeze some love? Buy her a coffee here Ready to jump into the community conversation? Join The Academy at any level to get access to the podcast Facebook group and behind the scenes content!
America Hates Us
How do we effect change for our most marginalized folx? Why is it so important for “us” to work together to fight the system collectively? Today, I’m chatting with Tareq, co-founder of the social justice brand America Hates Us (AHUS), a clothing company that is so much more than that. We are digging in deep to what brought his company around, who “us” really is, and what it means for a brand to evolve while remaining consistent. We’re exploring: What it means to combat the everyday conditioning that America stands for whiteness The importance of slowing down and actually engaging with what's in front of you-instead of the constant sense of urgency Understanding how one sided advice can be dangerous and how to combat it The herb that can help you focus and relax at the same time What does it mean for a platform or company to be able to evolve with time Knowing the difference between offering others what they NEED for their healing and what you want to give Weeze’s take on the first step to bringing down all systems of oppression Follow America Hates Us! monthly book club (eventbrite.com/o/america-hates-us-32685241245) Patreon (patreon.com/americahatesus) and online store (americahates.us/shopahus) IG/twitter: @americahatesus FB: m.facebook.com/americahatesus/ Patreon: patreon.com/americahatesus Tamela Gordon (@shewritestolive) is AHUS's publications managing editor Alison Fields (@itsalisonaf) is AHUS's marketing and communications strategist Catch up with Weeze! Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/ Instagram: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy
Community: What is it good for? w/ Dr. Janice Gassam Asare
Is social media drowning out your voice? Are you too busy surviving to speak up or walk out? The lived experiences of marginalized communities are often overlooked and brushed aside so whiteness can remain in the center. But we can all work together towards change, towards community, towards liberation. This week I’m honored to be joined by Dr. Janice Gassam Asare. She is the founder of BWG Business Solutions which helps organizations create cultures built on equity. She is a senior contributing writer for Forbes and has collaborated with companies like Google, Amazon, Yale University, and many more. She’s been doing this work before this work was “cool” and she has so much wisdom to share. We get right into it! So join us as we talk about ALL THE THINGS! We’re getting into: The funding disparities for DEI firms and why it matters Whiteness is the disease, NOT the antidote Diversifying our incomes to create protections and build wealth Why you do NOT have to adjust yourself for whiteness and what to do instead How white supremacy removes imagination and community and tells us to compete (but we’re in this together!) The thick skin required to do this work plus some of our biggest fears Why “just” quitting or speaking out isn’t an option for everyone The importance of community in our lives and the role social media plays Plus so much more! Follow Dr. Janice Gassam Asare on Linkedin and Instagram And check out her latest book The Pink Elephant. Catch up with Weeze! Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/ Instagram: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy
I️ don’t want resilience. I️ want softness & grace. w/ Weeze Doran
It’s the season 3 finale, so we’re flipping the script and Weeze becomes our guest! In this episode she is interviewed by our amazing guest, Madison Jacobs, from ep 3. They talk about Weeze’s process of slowing down, tending to her own humanity after being in overdrive for the last 20 months, how we as a collective can begin to heal and exist unapologetically in systems created to destroy us, what liberation can look like, and how she’s learning & co-creating in her relationship. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT Setting yourself up for healing, joy, success, and liberation in a system designed to profit off your turmoil & destroy you. The truth is that systems of oppression aren’t going to be eradicated in our lifetime, so how can we begin to exist unapologetically anyway? The difference between being emotionally reactive and retraumatized or triggered. Weeze’s current growth edge in life, where she’s been recalling her energy, and how she’s refocusing on her wellbeing. Bae deets are in!! We hear about Weeze’s relationship and their process of co-creating a healthy partnership with each other. Healing ancestral wounds and trauma. CALL TO ACTION Join The Academy on Podia for ongoing education. Rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! Follow Weeze on IG! EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/19xTfwerUi_XhudUucoYPo-J1Nan7A5eS/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze Join the Academy (its like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy
Equitable Wellness for Black Women and Femmes w/ Dr. Lanice Avery
Dr. Lanice Avery is giving greatness in this episode! Y’all we talked about Black women and femme’s freedom, gendered and racial socialization, and how our identities around ourselves and relationships are detrimental to our well being. Dr. Lanice brings hope, education, and reminders that Black women and femmes have always been about joy, liberation, and pleasure. It’s just who we are! ABOUT DR. LANICE AVERY LANICE R. AVERY, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of psychology and women, gender, and sexuality studies at the University of Virginia. She earned her PhD in the joint program in psychology and women’s studies at the University of Michigan. Her research uses multiple methods to explore Black women’s inter- sectional identities, sexual socialization, and how the negotiation of hegemonic gender ideologies and racial stereotypes are associated with adverse psychological and sexual health outcomes. The primary aim of her research is to promote healthy racial, gender, and sexual development among socially marginalized and stigmatized groups. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT The role Black women and femmes played in the creation of whyte supremacist, hetero patriarchal, and capitalist like infrastructures. Why Black women and femmes are scrutinized at the most extreme levels of law and surveillance. The expectation of uplift everyone to the detriment and death of yourself. Eww... The difference between Black feminine and masculine ideologies. How the media shapes our view of ourselves and the world around us. How the media perpetuates oppression, we internalize it, then oppress ourselves. Even in our empowerment, we are still being reminded of how we are subjugated as a humanity Black women will always be free for choosing our own erotic power, joy, and pleasure. Why Megan Thee Stallion is winning!!!! What we need to learn from her & what we can heal. CALL TO ACTION Read "Pretty hurts": Acceptance of hegemonic feminine beauty ideals and reduced sexual well-being among Black women by Dr. Avery EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HL-dl1iKSRYbgRe8jjALQZ2vs54-5lgU/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW DR. AVERY Website: https://psychology.as.virginia.edu/people/profile/la4gd Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/dr_neecie
What is your role in the revolution? w/ Lettie Elizabeth, Myisha T. Hill, and Lyvonne Briggs
It’s our first round table discussion and damn was it so good! I had my amazing friends Lyvonne, Myisha, and Lettie on to check in one year after the great whyte awakening of 2020. This episode is all about giving yourself permission to heal and to follow your calling. Listen y’all, we can only liberate others to the degree that we liberate ourselves, so start doing the work on yourself first!! ABOUT LETTIE, MYISHA, AND LYVONNE Lettie Elizabeth is a historian, educator, and facilitator in Wilmington, NC. She is also the host and owner of her podcast "History Shows Us" where she educates about history and bridges the past to the present, she discusses racial and social issues, and she doesn’t hold back the truth. Her gift and ability to "connect the dots" is something that is critical to learning from the past. The love she has for history is evident! In 2015 Lettie received her M.A. in History from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW) where she focused on American history and specialized in Black history and race studies. She also completed her M.A. in Conflict Management & Resolution in May 2020 which equipped her with skills to incorporate effective communication with hard topics and how to navigate these situations, mediation and facilitation knowledge, and this MA contributed greatly to her work as both a historian and antiracism educator. Lettie's story and journey is filled with strength and resilience, continuing to speak up against racial injustice, and learning what it means to choose and cultivate joy while growing and healing. -- Myisha T is an awesome and sometimes exhausted mom to 3 different-ability children. She is an anti-racism guide, mental health activist, speaker, and entrepreneur. A passionate advocate for mental wellness, Myisha T believes that when people get real, they can begin to heal. She founded the “Check Your Privilege” (CYP) movement, that support white and white folx all over the world in exploring their relationships with the interlocking systems of oppression -- Lyvonne Proverbs Briggs (aka “Pastor Baé”), an Emmy Award winner, is a body and sex-positive womanist preacher, writer, transformational speaker, and spiritual life and liberation coach. She is the founder of beautiful scars, a healing-centered storytelling agency focused on fostering pleasure and resiliency; and the curator of The Proverbial Experience, a series of virtual spiritual gatherings to nourish your soul! Briggs has been featured in ESSENCE, Cosmopolitan, and The Washington Post magazines and Sojourners named her one of “11 Women Shaping the Church.” Briggs, a NYC native, is currently based in New Orleans, LA. Follow her: @LyvonneBriggs IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT What is your role in the revolution? What are you masterminding in your collective community to change things around you? The lack of capacity the collective faces when it comes to nuance. We’re socialized to only see, feel, and experience pain all of the time. Liberation is about healing the mind, body, and spirit. How social media has tripped us up to become performative and how we can get back to our center. Staying grounded in beauty amidst terror. CALL TO ACTION Check out Lettie’s podcast: History Shows Us EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Od7GDUFrDHOe1zkqf_HgZZFgXciwsv5B/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=118275191661323945286&rtpof=true&sd=true FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy STAY ENGAGED WITH OUR FOLKS! LETTIE Website: www.patreon.com/lettieshumate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyshowsuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sincerely.lettie MYISHA Website: checkyourprivilege.co https://www.instagram.com/ckyourprivilege LYVONNE Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/join/lyvonnebriggs 1-on-1 spiritual life coaching or tarot card readings: https://calendly.com/lyvonnebriggs i'm a Surthrivor: healing, faith, and sexual trauma online course. Use code WEEZE for 16% off : https://lyvonnebriggs.podia.com/healing?coupon=WEEZE Website: https://lyvonnebriggs.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lyvonnebriggs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyvonnebriggs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyvonnep Podcast: Sensual Faith podcast (Spotify linked, but you can listen wherever your get your podcasts!)
Hey Siri..How can tech do it for the culture? w/ Madison Jacobs
In this episode Madison and I talk about how white folks have a special way of infusing racism into anything, even tech! As much as we rely on tech in our everyday lives, we have to understand who it’s built by AND who it’s built for! Tech is racist because it’s created by racists, and unfortunately it makes their ability to oppress and silence people of color much easier. We talk about how things like facial recognition on our phones are built from white features, down to facial recognition for criminalization, and the algorithms that shadowban or simply erase people's lived experiences & education. ABOUT MADISON Madison Jacobs is a marketing and communications leader, tech policy practitioner, and civil rights champion working as the cofounder of The Edtech Equity Project (EE) to combat racial bias in edtech products and AI tools used in education. She is also an executive director at A/B Partners, a social justice creative agency developing new narratives about people, power and social change to transform politics and the economy. Before her work at EE and A/B, Madison was a nonprofit communications leader and an Aspen Institute fellow. At the Aspen Tech Policy Hub, Madison built technology policy outputs on issues like improving access to water quality data, improving women's access to algorithmically-granted housing loans, and mitigating racial bias in AI-driven education technologies. Before her work in nonprofit and tech policy, Madison worked at several technology startups and companies, including Google, leading product marketing initiatives. Madison has a journalism degree from The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT The fact that all of the systems that were already racist before are just being supported in a larger way by technology. The impact of facial recognition, google searches, and more on communities of color. How these systems were only designed to really think through one thought process and that's a middle aged white male. The lack of ebonics, varied forms of speech, and context available in AI language detectors. They done took it a level deeper on the job applications! Machines run more than just names, race, and ethnicity to exclude job applicants. How we need to take a look at the culture of technology and understand its origin. We need to be having real conversations with ourselves about how we engage with tech to combat what is happening. CALL TO ACTION AI in Education Toolkit for Racial Equity: https://coda.io/@edtechequity/edtech-ai-toolkit-for-racial-equity School Procurement Guide: https://coda.io/d/School-Procurement-Guide_dYBoc7ujwQA/School-Procurement-Guide_su9mx#_luz2W Join me on podia where you can get access to tons of BTS content including a very special Weezionaire interview with all of our guests! Rate & review the show! Follow me on IG EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cyVQQJsSzwAbvSrojmtxnCP4orm6YSpU FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW MADISON Website: https://www.edtechequity.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themaddierae/ EdTech’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/EdTechEquity Madison’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/madisonrjacobs
Black Chefs Are the Spice This Economy Needs W/ Rashad Armstead
In this episode Rashad and I talk about how systemic racism once again shows up in the food industry. From restaurant profits being cut by greedy food distributors, to not being approved for funding, and even having to face a lack of kitchen rental opportunities, Rashad tells us about the trials he’s faced as a Black chef and his determination to empower Black chefs. An economy is only as strong as its food industry, and with Black people owning little to none in this industry, Rashad seeks to change that. Tune in to learn how he’s making waves for Black chefs, so we can gain power in the Black economy. ABOUT RASHAD Rashad Armstead is a chef, entrepreneur, just an overall world changer. His goal in life is to leave this world empty, giving everything God put in him to the world. Rashad has worked in the food industry since he was 15 and worked his way up from a dishwasher to a Chef. He opened his first business in 2014 and never looked back. Now he has a new job to help people that change the world change the world. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT Rashad’s grandma and how she lit the torch for generations of chefs in his family. Rashad’s experience with seeing food from different aspects; restaurants, food trucks, caterers, industrial side, hospitals, prisons, and more! How systemic racism shows up in the food industry. Rebuilding a chef business from scratch to winning Chopped and keeping it under wraps for 18 months. Why there’s not a strong economy for the Black community. What we’re missing out on! The entrepreneurial journey of opening and closing multiple restaurants, due to racism in distributor policies and land ownership. One of the biggest ways to fight hunger is that there has to be investment in local entrepreneurs, and people that represent their community. Rashad’s vision to build EPIC Ventures Test Kitchen, an affordable commercial kitchen located in East Oakland. CALL TO ACTION Join me on podia where you can get access to tons of BTS content including a very special Weezionaire interview with all of our guests! Rate & review the show! Follow me on IG Research land theft and the displacement of Black farmers, specifically in the south and California. Look up the history of what existed before Central Park was built. Donate to E.P.I.C Ventures Test Kitchen Watch all the worlds of stage video EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_H6HJ81JG31TjwALjWctMQKxvvRYMU02/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW RASHAD Website: https://www.blackfoodcollective.com Instagram: https://www.twitter.com/ChefRashad2.0 Twitter: https://twitter.com/eoakcollective
Communities of Color Don’t Need Starbucks. We Need Funding. w/ Keta Price and Dani Dynes
In this episode Keta & Dani of the East Oakland Collective and I talk about the changes they’re creating in Oakland to increase accessibility. We all know there’s no damn reason for communities of color to be under-resourced other than whyteness doing what it does! And Dani let us know that no community, even if it’s underdeveloped, ever goes unmapped or unplanned. So what can we do about houselessness, transportation, and making sure our communities thrive? How can we be the ones to stand up for our cities to increase access? Bc let’s face it, we’ve always known WE gotta take care of US.! How can we create what we want to see and get the resources for it? Listen, learn, and get involved! ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female-identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist, and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT KETA & DANI Marquita “Keta” Price (she/her/Goddess), aka “The Hood Planner,” is a third-generation East Oakland native serving as the Director of Urban and Regional Planning for The East Oakland Collective. Keta’s formal passion for urbanism came about during recreational research on how gentrification has impacted low-income Black “hoods” across the nation. As director, Keta is the lead on several East Oakland neighborhood & transportation planning projects, participates in the development of local urban and regional planning, and holds the city of Oakland accountable to equitable zoning and land use in East Oakland. Her early activism and care for community is rooted at Merritt College, where she served as the Vice President of The Black Student Union, President of the Kem(istry) Club, President of the Associated Students of Merritt College (ASMC), and served as a Student Trustee of the Peralta Community College School District. Keta’s initial goals were to restore the intellect and militancy of Merritt’s student government. Seeded by Chairman Bobby Seale and other former Black Panthers, ASMC focused on leveraging the institution’s resources to address the socioeconomic issues from the flatlands prohibiting students from thriving academically. Keta’s political and social goals pulled her away from studying chemistry to deeply exploring how societies, communities, and cities are planned, designed and constructed. As a chemistry major, Keta received an achievement award for the completion of The Center for Educational Partnerships NIH-UCB internship. During this project Keta synthesized pro-fluorophores used for live-cell RNA imaging. Keta also received recognition and commendation from the California Legislature Assembly and State of California Senate and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors for her student advocacy work with the Tobacco-less Club at Merritt College. Keta has an Associates of Science in Mathematics and Natural Science. When the opportunity presents itself, Keta plans to further her education in Urban Studies, Data Analysis and Design. Danielle "Dani" Dynes is a dedicated community planner who was born in East Oakland and raised in West Oakland. As a planner, she focuses on the present needs of residents and while creating strategies to deal with the challenges of the future. She works to bring more resources and infrastructure to Oakland and ensure we have safer, healthier, and well-connected communities moving forward. Danielle has a B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning from San Francisco State University. She has previously worked at the Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) in their Planning and Project Development section. Several of Danielle's projects at OakDOT prioritized equitable and culturally relevant change in the East Oakland community. She facilitated events around the 90th Avenue Scraper Bike Way and conducted community outreach for the East Oakland Mobility Action Plan. She also helped manage Sustainable Transportation Planning grants while interning at the California Department of Transportation. Before she studied planning Danielle taught website design and visual communication to students in Oakland and Richmond. In 2016 she was honored as a Youth Development Fellow by Coro, a civic leadership training organization. In her leisure, Danielle enjoys photography, crafting, hiking, and gardening. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT How EOC’s founder, Candace Elder, said hell nah to the ways her community was deteriorating due to gentrification and decided to address issues like pollution + houselessness. The fuckery with folks seeing systemic challenges and thinking it’s random or beyond our control, but it’s not! We knowwww this! Why disparities and underdeveloped communities even exist, when communities are always mapped out and planned. How the white flight outta of East Oakland and left the whole area for dead!. There's no designated funding to give to communities to plan their own communities surprise surprise, so a lot of that grunt work falls on nonprofits, grassroots people, and individuals to fill that gap. How a lack of economics, transportation, and accessibility affects communities + what we can do to help! CALL TO ACTION Support the East Oakland Mobility Action Plan. Get involved with the Mobility 4 All program, their new clean mobility fellows, and an upcoming project funded by the STEP Grant to explore the feasibility of implementing a zero-emission bus shuttle to bridge access to nearby local/regional park-The Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eq-twyoJeB5ipLs7kbAWjF0Kgq210WRO/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW KETA & DANI TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.eastoaklandcollective.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastoaklandcollective/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/eoakcollective Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eoakcollective
Accepting and Celebrating Yourself w/ Brandon Goodman
In this episode Weeze and Brandon talk about who we could be if society’s standards didn’t have a hold on how we choose to live our lives. If we decided to tune into our hearts vs. what others say, how would we move about the world? How would we show up for ourselves and the people & things we care about? How could we create what has never existed before? This episode is full of wisdom that encourages us to really slow down and ask ourselves, “What do I actually want?” ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female-identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist, and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT BRANDON Brandon Kyle Goodman (he/they): From bringing diverse, powerful characters to life on the screen, to writing scripts for one of the most successful television series on Netflix, Actor, Writer and Advocate Brandon Kyle Goodman has emerged in the entertainment industry as a powerful force with a voice to be reckoned with. On the film front, Goodman recently starred in Netflix’s feature film “Feel the Beat,” opposite Sofia Carson. He was a scene-stealer as the outspokenly brave, queer character Deco. Additional acting credits for Goodman include starring as Andy, an eager father-to-be in Amazon’s successful rom-com anthology series “Modern Love,” opposite Andrew Scott. As a writer, Goodman is entering his third season writing on the hit Netflix animated series "Big Mouth". Goodman is proud to be a nonbinary, queer Black leader and a staunch advocate for Black lives. Goodman’s name and messages were launched into the limelight throughout the summer of 2020 as his vulnerable, informative Instagram videos regarding racism in America went viral, quickly solidifying him as a go-to resource for individuals seeking educational and inspiring content, while detailing a personal look at Goodman’s experiences growing up and living Black in America. Today, Goodman’s content has received over millions of views and counting. When not in front of the screen, Goodman loves to seek out great new eats, work out, binge “The Real Housewives,” and discover great, new vocal performances on YouTube. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT Exploring who we could be if society’s standards of what’s “acceptable” never got ahold of us. Practicing how we show up in the world by making small corrections in our language & how we approach others. Celebrating all of our identities and experiences, regardless of what other people think. Stepping into our fullness and trying not to take people leaving as an attack or as a representation of our validity. The truth that sometimes we have to be the one to make the blueprint of what we wish to see in the world because it doesn’t exist! CALL TO ACTION Follow Brandon on social media! Listen to Brandon’s podcast, Black Folx. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/12laepN2B2n_Zf6gndZ40aw54aoqKnfXN/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW BRANDON TO STAY ENGAGED https://www.brandonkylegoodman.com http://instagram.com/brandonkgood https://www.facebook.com/brandonkgoodman/ http://twitter.com/brandonkgood http://youtube.com/brandonkgood
Be Willing to Get It Wrong w/ Anna Paquin
In this episode Weeze and Anna talk about what it takes to step into activism and use our voices for humanity. Folks are often so worried about getting this process of transformation wrong they cut off the part of themselves that can learn and do better. This method of thinking is one of the ways the work becomes stagnant. No one starts this journey as an expert, but those who are committed to change are the ones who are open and interested in learning. Y’all, we all need each other to use our lived experience and privilege to create possibilities for the more marginalized identities around us. That’s what this is all about in the grand scheme. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female-identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist, and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT ANNA Anna Paquin is a New Zealand-Canadian actress, mother, producer, wife, and activist. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT The most important place to begin and return to as an activist. Being honest and comfortable in the process of learning how to show up for humanity. It’s OK not to be an expert, just be open to learning and shifting. Getting out of our circles and listening to other lived experiences. Depersonalizing how we feel when people point out things we’ve done that are problematic. Could this be a place to learn something new? Anna’s experience in learning about and choosing her voice, regardless of her platform and other people’s perceptions. Using whatever identity privilege that we have to create pathways for other folks' humanity to be honored. Anna’s show FLACK and how it addresses the multitude of oppressive issues we encounter on a daily basis. CALL TO ACTION Catch season 2 of FLACK dropping on Amazon Prime June 11th! EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CAp3xvZCK8gQT4RqUVl63ikHTKD8C52G/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW ANNA TO STAY ENGAGED https://www.instagram.com/_annapaquin https://www.twitter.com/annapaquin
Defunding, Abolishing, and Reconstructing the Police System w/ Chris Mueller
I️n this episode Weeze and Chris talk about what it means to defund, abolish, reconstruct, and reimagine the policing system. We all know the institution of police is not answering the needs of the people. It’s a system that’s heavily funded, backed by legislation, and damn near impossible to hold police accountable. What would it look like to reallocate funds so we’re investing in social services like crisis response teams? What if marginalized communities had agency, power, and control over how this new institution was reimagined? What if we poured the obnoxious budget the police system gets into education, health care, affordable housing, workforce development, job opportunities with livable wages, etc.? What if we looked at how we police each other on a daily basis and restructured that too? Listen in!!! ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female-identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist, and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT CHRIS Chris Mueller is a communicator by nature, strategist by training, and organizer at heart directing the firm's creative design and storytelling studio. Born and raised in the East Bay, he studied at UC Berkeley and has over a decade of storytelling experience for progressive organizations in human rights, and social and economic justice. He will happily discuss everything from Frederick Douglass and Joseph Campbell to DMX and the World Champion Golden State Warriors. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT The reality of police union lobbying power how much money they spend at the municipal level to pass police friendly legislation. How the George Floyd Justice and Policing Act is trying to allocate hundreds of millions of dollars to police training and reform that we know doesn't work! We have to get more surgical about the way police union contracts are written because there are amendments and line items that make it difficult to hold police accountable. How affluent whyte communities experience police vs. marginalized communities. What it means to defund, abolish, and reconstruct the police system. Abolition as a way for us to rid ourselves of how we police each other. The connection between police reform and gun control, and what we need to address. ICE now offering classes to teach everyday citizens how to arrest immigrants! Orienting ourselves toward accomplishing equity and justice on a systemic level. CALL TO ACTION Chris’ firm is hiring for two new fellow positions. Candidates are encouraged to apply here: https://www.thinkrubix.com/careers Research The Breathe Act at https://breatheact.org Find an organization and make an assessment about what kind of contribution you can make. Sign up for the Never Again News Network (NANN) at https://nowyouknow.podia.com/nann RESOURCES Why Police Reform Fails Podcast Episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-police-reform-fails/id886009669?i=1000520754910 EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CAp3xvZCK8gQT4RqUVl63ikHTKD8C52G/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW CHRIS TO STAY ENGAGED https://www.thinkrubix.com https://www.instagram.com/wethinkrubix/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkrubix https://medium.com/thinkrubix
From Allyship to Accomplice w/ Jamal Taylor
In this episode Jamal and Weeze talk about what it takes to truly be an accomplice in the movement. Sharing their experiences of dealing with people who claim to be allies, Weeze and Jamal drop knowledge on how to protect our peace, express love as a form of accountability, and spot the folks who just want to capitalize off of the movement. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female-identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist, and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT JAMAL Jamal Taylor is an activist and advocate based in Louisiana. Jamal is also working to end racism as an educator in the space. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that police brutality ends across the State of Louisiana. He is an accomplished speaker that has been interviewed by the NY Times, People Magazine, People TV, Dr. Oz, and many other national outlets. Jamal believes in the power of collective organizing and has facilitated several protests across the state. Most notably he is the advocate for the family of Quawan Charles, a 15-year old boy found dead in a sugar cane ditch in Louisiana. He frequently says that when we stand we give subconscious permission for others to stand with us. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT Influencers who claim that they are allies of the movement, but utilize it to springboard themselves to make money. How to protect your peace around having to constantly deal with allies. Love and how it requires accountability. It’s not just a fluffy feel good word. Folks being accomplices at home and calling out their communities for racist behavior. Why people need to stop trying to capitalize off the time, energy, effort and love of people when they wouldn't do it at their job for free. CALL TO ACTION Check out the Giving Way on The Sidewalk a Book and Podcast when it’s ready!! Elevate the issues that are important to people of color. Make sure your work towards becoming an accomplice is deliberate and intentional. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ak9t5PPHXcBnSVCffG1Lqsuf8FYhYlFu/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW JAMAL TO STAY ENGAGED https://www.instagram.com/lemmeeducateyou https://twitter.com/lemmeeducateyou https://www.tiktok.com/@lemmeeducateyou
Disrupting Segregation in Chicago w/ Tonika Johnson
In this episode Tonika talks about the change she is making to desegregate Chicago through community education, policy reform, and engagement with her non-profit, the Folded Map Project. The Folded Map Project explores the present day impact of Chicago's historic segregation, showing how you can have two different kinds of lived experiences that are often on the same street, but just miles apart. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female-identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist, and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT TONIKA Tonika Johnson is a photographer/social justice artist and life-long resident of Chicago’s South Side neighborhood of Englewood. She is also co-founder of two community-based organizations, Englewood Arts Collective and Resident Association of Greater Englewood, that mobilize people and resources for positive change. She turned the Folded Map project into a non-profit organization where she serves as Executive Director. She was named one of Field Foundation’s Leaders for a New Chicago and most recently, she was appointed as a member of the Cultural Advisory Council of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events by the Chicago City Council. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT How Tonika’s multimedia art project and non-profit, Folded Map, explores the present-day impact of Chicago's historic segregation by using her very unique grid map to compare different kinds of lived experiences that are often on the same street, but just miles apart. The insidious part of segregation and racism that minimizes the intellectual ability and genius of Black and Brown youth. Chicago as a legacy segregated city, meaning the segregation that people witness there is literally the same kind of segregation from 50-60 years ago. How segregation influences social networks, relationships, access to jobs, and quality schools. If the very thing that divides us is race and geography, what would it be like if we actually talked to our distant neighbors about the very things that are wrong with our cities? How the New York Times stole the concept of the Folded Map project. CALL TO ACTION Make a donation to Folded Map project EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ak9t5PPHXcBnSVCffG1Lqsuf8FYhYlFu/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW TONIKA TO STAY ENGAGED Creator of Folded Map Project - article by Chicago Tribune https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-met-folded-map-project-chicago-20180521-story.html www.foldedmapproject.com www.tonikaj.com www.BelongingChicago.com www.englewoodartscollective.com
Creating Economic Empowerment Through Coffee w/ Vava Angwenyi
In this episode, Vava gives us the inside scoop on what it’s like to be a Kenyan producer in the coffee industry. She shares how local producers, farmers, and prospective entrepreneurs are kept from accessing fair pay and opportunities to participate in the coffee trade, because all of the major farmlands are owned by whyte companies. Her mission is to change this through creating sustainable equity, education, opportunity, and personalizing the experience of coffee, as most consumers have no idea where their coffee comes from. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT VAVA In 2009, Vava Angwenyi started VAVA COFFEE – a Benefit Corporation (B-corp) with a Social enterprise model that exports, roasts and consults on coffee value chains, the organization aims to contribute to better future prospects for coffee communities and the industry as a whole. The company ensures sustainable livelihoods for the people and communities in which it works. Vava Angwenyi is also the co-founder and director business development & fundraising at GENTE DEL FUTURO (People of the Future). Gente Del Futuro formed in 2017 is an organization born out of a partnership between African Plantations Kilimanjaro, Vava Coffee Kenya and Oro Molido three private sector players within the coffee sector to tackle two of the main problems we face as an industry - Producer profitability and Next generation involvement. Gente Del Futuro’s focus is to amplify the voices of youth by creating economic empowerment, choices and sustainability for the coffee industry. The organization offers young people a unique and one-of-a-kind learning opportunity by fusing coffee cultures and knowledge from three different growing origins : Tanzania, Kenya and Colombia. Ms. Angwenyi is also a founding member of Pamoja - Direct Trade Coffee Collective, this is a UK registered community interest company that has been established as the international marketing and distribution division for its members, coffee farmers. It is focused on building direct, cost-effective and fair relationships between its farmers and ethically aware international roasters. Vava holds a Masters degree-Msc in International Finance and Management from University of Groningen as well as Certificate in Global Asset Management from Warrington College of Business, University of Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics & Actuarial Science from University of Western Ontario- CANADA. Vava’s vision is to challenge the status quo and promote positive social disruption within the Coffee industry. This vision comes from an inborn Kenyan passion for coffee and a drive to promote the sustainable production of coffee within Kenya’s and the wider East African region by tracing the production of high quality coffee beans to the independent smallholder coffee farmer, who works day in and day out, against major obstacles and with meager resources to produce some of the world’s best tasting coffees, often without an understanding or appreciation of the final fruits of their labor. Vava is a CQI trained and certified Q grader Ms. Vava Angwenyi was part of the 2015 International Visitors Leadership Program a prestigious State Department sponsored program coordinated in conjunction with African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA)and African women enterprise program International Visitors Leadership Program. Vava a Cordes fellow 2017 and Global Social Benefit Institute alumni 2016, also serves as an Advisory Committee member for the Specialty Coffee Association’s (SCA) sustainability council and is also part of the SCA’s Event’s site criteria Ad-hoc committee. In 2019 she was elected to serve on the SCA Board of Directors serving on the Finance and Sustainability Committees. In 2019 Vava Coffee was recognized as a Best for the world community Honoree - B Corp. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT While coffee is the second most traded commodity after oil, the industry was set up to keep the producers enslaved. The Kenyan coffee trade still operates from the rules set in 1958 by colonial masters. The people that own the largest plantations where coffee is produced, are whyte companies. The problems Kenyan coffee producers face due to whytness running the markets, dictating the pricing, and dictating the terms and conditions. They purposely create barriers and make it hard for local entrepreneurs to get into the coffee business. Why Kenyans only consume 6% (used to be 3%) of coffee produced in Kenya and have to rely on the western world to drink the beans. How Vava got into the coffee industry after having been exposed to $20 bags of Kenyan coffee at places like Starbucks and Tim Hortons, while witnessing her grandma complain about how she's getting nothing for her coffee. How producer images are used purely for exploitation purposes. Consumers doing their due diligence in researching what really happens in producing countries in terms of labor, the processes, the farm inputs, that producers have to put, what picking season looks like. How we can begin to be agents of change and pay more attention to what's happening in the world. Connecting to our purpose and being willing to work and grow within it! CALL TO ACTION Be more attentive about what's happening in the world Purchase Vava’s book & coffee RESOURCES Coffee Milk Blood is a project and book inspired by Vava’s own experience as an African woman in the industry. The theme of the book touches on appropriate storytelling/depiction of producers - how they want to be seen beyond the coffee and as Women, the African woman, the culture of the place as well as underpinnings of Colonialism that are the structures we still operate within in our industry. The main and limited edition versions of the book will be a tool the industry needs, especially challenging the visual context often seen of coffee origins, producing countries, and the faces behind the coffee. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW VAVA TO STAY ENGAGED Website: swww.vavacoffeeinc.com Website: www.coffeemilkblood.com Website: https://www.gente-delfuturo.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vavacoffeekenya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gentefuturo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeemilkblood
Giving Land Back to Indigenous People w/ Nazshonnii Brown
In this episode Weeze and Nazshonnii talk about how we can take accountability and give land back to Indigenous folks. It’s more than just googling a tribe and sharing the Federally recognized name of a trie. This process involves us doing our own research on our lineage to understand how communities were colonized and tribes were lost, looking deeper into the land we occupy to see who those tribes are and what they need present day, it calls for us to speak up against problematic behavior, and more. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT NAZSHONNII Nazshonnii is a STEM educator and mechanical engineer working on both land and office projects. She leads food distribution, engineering design, and community outreach. She is passionate about STEAM education and advocates for exposure and opportunities for underrepresented groups, especially Black and Native young women. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT Stepping in and interrupting problematic behavior, including the way Indigenous land has been taken and colonized. Researching our own privilege, our lineage, and how we got where we are. Ways we can participate in giving land back to Indigenous folks. The relationship Indigenous people have with the land, and how it creates homes, security, jobs, community, food, medicine, and more. CALL TO ACTION Perform research on the land you occupy. Look into the tribes and get to know who the people are and what they need, beyond federal recognition. RESOURCES Shuumi Land Tax and How to Come Correct document. Sunday Farm Stand at Gill Tract Community Farm, 2-5pm EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mBtApOEVq4IcnTZZK1J1NCzVUXDRKLmZqsI2MyDs-wc/edit?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW NAZSHONNII TO STAY ENGAGED Website: sogoreate-landtrust.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sogoreatelandtrust Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/villages_of_lisjan
Part 2: What It’s Like to Seek Asylum w/ Ranier “Ray” Rodriguez
In this second part of the episode, Weeze has a conversation with Sidewalk School’s Academic Director and Teacher, Rainier Rodriguez. Sidewalk School is an organization that educates and supports those facing displacement in the Matamoros Tent City, a refugee camp. Having been granted asylum in January 2020, Ray takes us through the experience of what it was like to go through the process, detailing what people are forced to endure. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT RAY Rainer “Ray” Rodriguez is a Cuban English professor/ Interpreter who worked as a professor at the technical university in Havana. After suffering from political persecution and discrimination with no other option, he left to Panama and crossed 2500 miles through Central America to reach the Southern border of the USA. In Matamoros, he worked with many organizations helping asylum seekers and worked at the Sidewalk School since the beginning teaching and being the Academic Director of the school. He was granted asylum in January of 2020 when he moved to Washington DC and continues working with the school. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT Ray’s journey as an asylum seeker from Cuba and what the process looked like. Living in Mexico, taking daily trips to the border to eat and wait to be called, court dates, being in unsafe environments, the lack of infrastructure around being able to work and earn money, and more. How going to the border as an asylum seeker to get food led him to meeting Felicia. How Ray was able to be a translator between the American organizations and Central American asylum seekers, so folks could get what they needed. Dismantling the narrative of asylum seekers being uneducated, criminals, and liars who only want to come to America to steal jobs. How the process is designed to create hurdles for people to actually win any asylum case. The tone of aggression, disbelief, trauma, and lack of resources people have when going to court. CALL TO ACTION Educate yourself about what is happening with asylum seekers before you just donate. Investigate, see who’s behind the organizations, and then support. If you have the education that can help others, maybe you can speak another language, volunteer your time. Donate to Sidewalk School: https://www.sidewalkschool.org Purchase Mel’s artwork: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SidewalkSchool EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-fFpzorlE3lCC4DwKN7Gz8XRy4l6inl3/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW RAY TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.sidewalkschool.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidewalkschool Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r4ystackhouse Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesidewalkschool/ Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SidewalkSchool Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sidewalkschool
Part 1: Educating & Supporting Displaced Asylum Seekers w/ Felicia Rangel-Samponaro
This episode is part one of two amazing episodes we’ve got with The Sidewalk School. In this episode, Weeze has a conversation with Director Felicia, about how The Sidewalk School was founded in response to the need for education and support for those facing displacement in the Matamoros Tent City, a refugee camp. They discuss the realities of asylum seekers and how they’ve been mistreated due to Trump’s immigration policy changes, Biden’s backwards approach to “fixing” them, and what we can do to support these folks who legally did exactly what they were supposed to, but have been displaced for years...years! ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT FELICIA Felicia Rangel-Samponaro holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Houston. Prior to moving to Brownsville, TX, she was a certified teacher in the Houston area. Felicia is married and is a proud mother to her 9-year-old son. Despite being a non-Spanish speaker amongst a fully Spanish-speaking staff, she has been a volunteer in the Matamoros Tent City with the Asylum Seekers since late 2018. Through her work with the Sidewalk School, she believes that anything is possible, especially creating and running schools in Mexico. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT The education and resources Sidewalk School provides to asylum seekers in the Matamoras encampment. How the Matamoras encampment grew to a population of 5000 displaced people! How Trump silently legalized the separation and kidnapping of children in internment camps. How children were sent to kid jails from a matter of weeks to years, deported back to their native countries, and placed in foster care. The backwards way Pres. Robinette has decided to “fix” the Migrant Protection Program. CALL TO ACTION Donate to Sidewalk School: https://www.sidewalkschool.org Purchase Mel’s artwork: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SidewalkSchool EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/10p5HbMf0Uq92Vh-e6WRpp-6c7w_GbY7Z/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW FELICIA TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.sidewalkschool.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesidewalkschool Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesidewalkschool/ Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SidewalkSchool Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/sidewalkschool
Breaking Barriers to Book Distribution w/ Shane Foster and Tyrel Dale
In this episode, Weeze and Tyrel & Shane of X Books have a very real conversation about how the prison industrial complex blocks access to books for incarcerated folks and how X Books is a part of that solution. Through book donations, drives, and funding, X Books is stepping in to fill the much needed gap of giving reading materials to folks who are in prison, so they have an opportunity to receive enrichment, education, and support. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT SHANE FOSTER AND TYREL DALE Shane Foster (he/him) is part of the group that organized and founded X Books, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Atlanta, GA, in the fall of 2020. He has his bachelor's degree in social work from Florida State University and a master's degree in communications from Georgia State University. He currently works in HR for a software company, has lived in Atlanta for 8 years now, and is proud to call this community home. Shane is beyond excited for what X Books can become and is thankful for the groups across the country doing similar work and honored to work alongside them in our mission to provide books to people that are currently incarcerated. Tyrel Dale (he/him) is a founding board member of X Books, Inc. He attended the University of Georgia and majored in Political Science and African American Studies. During his time at UGA. He is currently a Policy Analyst at the Georgia General Assembly. His focus is on education, criminal justice, and workforce-related issues. After the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and Ahmaud Arbary, he was inspired to find ways to help the incarcerated community outside of the slow moving electoral system. He sees X Books becoming a non-profit that will be able to educate and inspire all Georgians of their power to disassemble the prison industrial system. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT Breaking barriers to book distribution, especially within the criminal justice system. The prison system and how it intentionally withholds and blocks incarcerated people from accessing books. The system cannot afford to give those that it has intentionally disenfranchised and oppressed, the guidebook to their own liberation. How prisons are switching to E-Books and upcharging incarcerated folks for internet access to be able to use E-Readers, and they’re also heavily locked in with Amazon. Dismantling the systems that are blocking book access, teaming up with local bookstores & organizations, and providing funding to create opportunities. CALL TO ACTION Find an organization closest to you in your state that is doing similar work, and then follow, engage ,and donate to X Books. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OR-PfhqsJ4BM1Z2Tl9NX8JKskrt3EALX/view?usp=sharing FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW SHANE FOSTER AND TYREL DALE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://xbooks.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/x__books/
Healing While Black w/ Josh Odam
In this episode Weeze and Josh break down what it looks like to be on a healing journey, while Black. They talk about the history of violence toward Black and Brown folks in the psychological and psychiatric community, how this increases with identity intersections such as Queer, Trans, and Non-Binary, what it means to provide trauma informed care, why we hear that Black people don’t go to therapy, and how we can reclaim our healing journeys in ways that feel safe to us. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT JOSH ODAM Josh Odam is a Trauma Informed Life Coach and the Founder and Curator of Healing While Black, an online platform devoted to normalizing conversations around mental health for Black and Indigenous queer, trans*, and gender non-conforming people. He understands his mental health is inextricably linked to anti-blackness and queerantagonism. His goal is to provide comprehensive and care for marginalized communities. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT What it means to provide trauma informed care in the healing space. The history of violence toward Black and Brown people in the psychological and psychiatric community. Josh’s story with depression, a suicide attempt, and how Healing While Black, LLC was created. Addressing the intersection of anti-Blackness and Queer, Trans, and Non-binary identities in the mental health field and how that impacts people. The unlearning around mauraderism, exceptionalism, and making self-care a priority - because that’s what actually keeps you going. Being honest about when you need help, when you need to cry, and Practicing Radical Softness as a way to reclaim our humanity. How liberation work is being confused with the idea that it’s our turn to oppress. Healing is not a linear journey and it’s never finished. Everyone’s journey is different. CALL TO ACTION Follow all of Josh’s resources and get familiar with grassroots organizations. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DDP133OTyJ0P0rvFMr5sh7Bo6AplD35t/view RESOURCES MENTIONED Sunday Survivor Series - https://www.instagram.com/jewel_thegem The Free Roots Project - https://thefreerootsproject.com Decolonizing Therapy by Dr. Jennifer Mullan - https://www.drjennifermullan.com The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Dr. Reeda Walker - https://www.rheedawalkerphd.com/book The Psychology of Blacks by Dr. Jospeh White - https://www.amazon.com/Psychology-Blacks-Centering-Perspectives-Consciousness/dp/0131827731 Baldwin’s Second Generation - https://www.facebook.com/baldwins2ndgen/ The Sylvia Rivera Law Project - https://srlp.org Radical Softness by Lora Mathis - http://www.loramathis.com FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com Instagram: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW JOSH ODAM TO STAY ENGAGED Cashapp/Venmo: @healingwhileblack Patreon: Healingwhileblack Website: Healingwhileblack.me Twitter:@healingwhileblk Instagram:@healingwhileblack Clubhouse: Josh Odam
Existing Unapologetically w/ Pastor Lyvonne Proverbs Briggs
In this episode Weeze and Lyvonne dive into pleasure, joy, healing, identity privilege, how to become a true co-conspirator, coming into community with our ancestors, and taking care of our bodies & spirits. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT PASTOR LYVONNE PROVERBS BRIGGS Pastor Lyvonne Proverbs Briggs (aka “Pastor Bae”) is a body and sex-positive preacher, writer, and transformational speaker. She is the founder of beautiful scars, a healing-centered storytelling agency focused on fostering pleasure and resiliency; and the curator of The Proverbial Experience: An Instagram Church. Briggs has been featured in ESSENCE, Cosmopolitan, and The Washington Post magazines and Sojourners named her one of “11 Women Shaping the Church.” Briggs, a NYC native, is currently based in New Orleans, LA. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT Decolonizing our healing process and working with our shadowside. Becoming a co-conspirator and what it means to truly show up for the liberation of Black people. How Lyvonne was inspired to shift her language from ‘trauma informed’ to ‘healing centered’. Why tapping into our joy and our pleasure is a vital necessity. Learning what feels good and nourishing to our bodies & our spirits. Dreaming as a spiritual practice, while resting, and loving ourselves. Connecting with our ancestors and developing a strong relationship with them. CALL TO ACTION Everyone - Listen to Lyonne’s “Say Less” Sermon on IGTV. Black women + femmes - Sign up for Lyvonne's course ‘I’m a Surthrivor’. Black people - Spend some time creating space and supporting healing. Black men - Go to therapy and heal your mother wounds. Everyone - Facilitate or sponsor a Black woman’s pleasure & healing. FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com IG: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW PASTOR LYVONNE PROVERBS BRIGGS TO STAY ENGAGED Beautiful Scars Website: weresurthrivors.com IG/Twitter: @weresurthrivors Twitter: https://twitter.com/lyvonnep Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lyvonnep/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyvonnep/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFwvKxVhBBFO-hx7J9OeC9g/channels
Connecting to Our Breath & Our Power w/ Katara Mccarty
In this episode Weeze and Katara talk about wellness and healing (and the lack thereof) for Black, Brown, & Indegenous women and femmes of color. They challenge us to think and imagine what could be possible if we were nurtured, cared for, healed, and supported. Katara spoke about her experience in feeling the collective grief of COVID-19, watching the news portray health disparities about BBIPOC without sharing the full story, and witnessing the racist killings from earlier this year. She had a moment that broke her down into tears and nudged her into action to support her community, that was the birth of her BIWOC emotional wellness app, EXHALE. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT KATARA From out of the realities of abandonment by her biological mother, being bi-racial and growing up in a Black home, Katara McCarty realized early in life that the color of her skin mattered. After becoming a single mother at 19 and finding the courage to leave an abusive relationship, Katara became an entrepreneur holding leadership positions in both non- and for-profit organizations. Today, Katara is a sought-after coach, author, and podcast host dedicated to cultivating brave spaces where all Black, Indigenous, Women of Color (BIWOC) belong. As a Black woman, she is committed to amplifying the richness of BIWOC and their stories, while also advocating for and providing emotional well-being resources for BIWOC, through her app EXHALE. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT Visioning what Black,Brown, and Indigenous women & femmes could accomplish if they were nurtured, cared for, healed, and supported. Why folks should stop calling BIWOC ‘resilient' as a token of honor. We're not here for that. How Katara’s app, EXHALE, was created to support the emotional wellness of BIWOC. Why our emotional and mental well-being should be our greatest priority. CALL TO ACTION Download EXHALE and include it in your cycle of sustainable revolution. Then come tell us what part of the app supported you most! FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com IG: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW KATARA TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.kataramccarty.com/ IG: @kataramccarty Exhale App: https://www.kataramccarty.com/katara-exhale-app Red Lips & Eye Rolls Podcast
Liberation Doesn’t Exist Without Intersectionality w/ Terra Anderson
In this episode Terra and Weeze break down what’s required of each of us to ensure we’re moving toward collective liberation. A part of that is understanding how to work with our privileged and marginalized identities. Just because someone holds a marginalized identity doesn’t absolve them of perpetuating systems of oppression, so it’s important for each of us to learn how to listen and follow, as well as understand when it’s time to lead depending on the situation and what we’re currently standing up for. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT TERRA ANDERSON Terra Lyn Anderson MA, R-DMT, LPC Registered Intern, has devoted their life to being a conduit for the healing connection between body and mind for both individuals and the collective. While pursuing their graduate degree in Somatic Counseling Psychology at Naropa University, Terra began to envision what the healing potential of embodiment would look like on a large societal scale, with people aware and empowered by both thought and feeling, attuned to one another, in love with and trusting of their own bodies, and able to consciously and intentionally regulate their nervous systems. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT Why having a marginalized identity doesn’t absolve someone from reproducing systems of oppression and being held accountable. The art of decentering and learning how to operate within our privileged and marginalized identities. How privilege affects the body and what it does to us when it’s unhealed and unacknowledged. The emotional labor and toll it takes on those with marginalized identities to hold space and educate. CALL TO ACTION Do your work to separate biological sex from gender identitiy. Separating anatomy and body parts from the gender identity that a person holds, so we can transform the conversation around gender. FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com IG: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW TERRA TO STAY ENGAGED Website: www.embodyemerge.com IG: @embodyemerge Professional FB: https://www.facebook.com/terraanderson.embodyemerge Business FB: https://www.facebook.com/embodyemerge
Excuse Me, I’m Still Speaking w/ Myisha Hill
In this episode Myisha and Weeze break down the ways Kamala Harris’ language, tonality, and even body language were such a topic of conversation yet also the real lived experiences of BIPOC, especially Black women, in settings with whyte men. They talk about how the Black identity is often co-opted for profit, specifically pointing out how Breonna Taylor’s name and image was used to sell merchandise but she didnt receive justice. They talk about their experiences as educators and how whytness impacts their businesses because certain people aren’t truly invested in anti-racism, they just want the look or they want it for free. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT MYISHA HILL Myisha T is a mental health activist, speaker, and entrepreneur passionate about the mental wellness and empowerment for women. In 2018, Myisha became curious about white women and privilege after ending a relationship with a co-worker that negatively impacted her mental health. This led her to identify her own internalized oppression and racism. Not interested in throw-away culture, she decided to seek out safe ways that white folks are showing up for BIWoC. During Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Myisha began her Check Your Privilege interview series inquiring into the work some white women are doing to show up safely for BIPoC and move beyond passive ally-ship to action driven co-conspirators. Myisha works with organizations and community groups taking white people on a self-reflective journey exploring their relationship with power, privilege, and racism. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT Kamala Harris’ language and facial expressions during the Vice Presidential debate. The way language weaponizes and reinforces whyteness. How Black identity is absorbed for the purpose of monetization, trends, and positionality and dismisses their humanity. The experience of BIPOC educators expected to teach for free or at a discount. CALL TO ACTION Amplify the voices of Black educators, businesses, creatives, and those who have taught you and/or helped you on your anti-racism journey. Get on that same level you were on back in June 2020. FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com IG: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW MYISHA TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://checkyourprivilege.co IG: https://www.instagram.com/ckyourprivilege Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/co-conspired-conversations/id1447632885
From Slave Patrol to Policing w/ Lettie Shumate
In this episode Weeze and Lettie talk about the evolution of the police system, how it’s rooted in the slave patrol from the 1700s, and the importance of restructuring and reimagining public safety. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT LETTIE SHUMATE Lettie Shumate is a Black woman, historian, antiracism educator, and facilitator in Southeastern North Carolina. She received her MA in History in 2015 and her MA in Conflict Management & Resolution in 2020. She is the host of her podcast, “Sincerely, Lettie”, where she educates about history and bridges the past to the present, she discusses racial and social issues, and she doesn’t hold back the truth with hard topics and tough conversations. Lettie is involved with projects and serves on boards in her local community as well. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT The history of slave patrols in southern colonies and the development of policing. The three primary functions of the slave patrol and the type of people who were running them. How the language describing criminals became associated with Black people. Conversations people neglect to engage in when discussing slavery and policing. CALLS TO ACTION Watch 13th on Netflix. Find out who in your area is doing work on reimagining public safety. Follow “Bring the Heat” with Pastor Ben McBride @benjmcbride. Make sure you’re educated on who’s running for this election, from the school board to the president, and looking at your ballot measures. If you can’t understand what the law is saying, find someone in the area who’s breaking it down. FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com IG: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW LETTIE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: www.patreon.com/lettieshumate https://www.sincerelylettie.com IG: @sincerely.lettie Podcast: Sincerely, Lettie
An Inside Look at Police Culture w/ Mario Shaft
In this episode Mario, a retired police officer who served on the Atlanta PD force for 13yrs, offers us a look from the perspective from inside police culture. He talks about the most effective way we can create the change we want to see when it comes to policy and policing, and how we’ve been focusing on the wrong thing. Mario shares about the various ways police are trained and...where they aren’t, and poses some great questions for us all to reflect on. It’s not just about the police, it’s about the systems and policies. That’s where our focus should be. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT How police officers are trained to engage with the community in general, when there’s a threat, and when a weapon is present. A discussion on cultural competency training and how it’s optional, but should be mandatory. What we’re missing and where we need to focus our attention in order to shift policies and laws. Taking the time to research council members and getting involved in our community to create change. The focus we also need to put into raising our children so they grow up with the education and awareness of how to be effective leaders. CALL TO ACTION Research the council members in your area and get to know who they are. Take the time to look at their political history and vet them. Use this education as your voting superpower. FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com IG: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW MARIO TO STAY ENGAGED IG: @elite_protection_agency MUSIC CRED. “Dreams & Nightmares Instrumental” prod. by The Beat Bully “The Other Side of America Instrumental” prod. by MerOne Music
Jessica Krug’s Apology Is BS w/ Lisa Betty
In this episode Lisa and Weeze have a deep discussion on the problematic behavior of Jessica Krug. They talk about the ways in which Jessica, a whyte woman, extensively and intentionally chose to study Black + African cultures of the diaspora and co-opt Black, Hispanic, and Latinx as her racial-ethnic identities. Not only did she assume these identities, she took professional academic positions, opportunities, and grants away from the people they were meant for. Then she decided to "out" herself and apologize for it. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. ABOUT LISA Lisa Betty (she/her) is a Ph.D. Candidate in History at Fordham University. She teaches on themes of labor, migration, and diaspora in the Americas, the Caribbean, and Africa. Lisa's dissertation research contributes to the growing body of scholarship on the Caribbean diaspora, with a focus on Jamaican migrants, in Cuba and the United States from the 1930s through the Cuban Revolution. She has worked in the field of nonprofit advocacy serving in organizations that advocate for children, families, immigrants, and incarcerated people, and leads antiracist teaching workshops. Proud of her family's southern and Jamaican roots, Lisa contributes to the development of safe, sustainable, and healing spaces for Black and Brown people. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT A full breakdown of Jessica Krug’s problematic behavior and how she wore Blackness for her own pleasure. The weaponization whytness by reinforcing characterizations and stereotypes of Black identity. How academia encouraged Jessica’s performance and elevated her. Why reparations is so important and necessary for the Black community. CALL TO ACTION Find an Africana Studies department in your local university and read + share one thing a Black or African Diaspora academic has written. Make sure to tag them and Weeze at @accordingtoweeze and @whichwayweeze! FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ACTIONABLE Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com IG: @accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW LISA TO STAY ACTIONABLE THE ROOT | Episode 1 | Racism As A System In The Root Episode 1: Racism as a System, Dominique Drakeford speaks with scholars and academic activists Nikki Sanchez and Lisa Betty on the importance of dismantling colonial systems and reclaiming the fullness of Native American & Afro-Indigenous history as a regenerative framework for liberation and true sustainability across every industry. "Jessica Krug’s Medium Post is Not an Apology: Centering whiteness while claiming (and un-claiming) Blackness & Why I personally call for reparations" by Lisa Betty Lisa's Instagrams @almostdrlisabetty @plantbased.is.political @FattishVeganish Twitter @lisavbetty MUSIC CRED. “Dreams & Nightmares Instrumental” prod. by The Beat Bully “The Other Side of America Instrumental” prod. by MerOne Music
Meet Me at the Intersection
In this episode, Weeze is interviewed by a Never Again News Network “NANN” correspondent. They talk about the purpose of the According to Weeze podcast, NANN, and how both serve as tools to facilitate effective conversations in order to move us toward liberation. Weeze also gets personal when she’s asked a series of questions pertaining to her everyday life. ABOUT NANN To protect our guest's anonymity, we’ve changed their voice & we’ll call them "Correspondent Slip 'N Slide." Correspondent Slip 'N Slide is a correspondent for NANN, (Never Again News Network) an anonymous Black Collective tracking timely news that matters. NANN is a weekly roundup of news you need to know in order to stay safe, defend your democracy, and make our country more equitable and just. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT How the According to Weeze podcast is here to educate and liberate, so we can dismantle systems of oppression and honor our humanity. What the NANN newsletter is and why you should subscribe so you can stay up to date on what's happening around the world AND how it's affecting melanated folk's bodies. Our secret guest interviews Weeze and gives us some personal deets on her life. Get the scoop!!! FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ACTIONABLE Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com IG: accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy FOLLOW NANN TO STAY ACTIONABLE Website: https://nowyouknow.podia.com/nann IG: @udontknownann MUSIC CRED. “Dreams & Nightmares Instrumental” prod. by The Beat Bully “The Other Side of America Instrumental” prod. by MerOne Music
The According to Weeze Podcast Is Here!
Hey y'all, welcome to the According to Weeze podcast. This is a quick minisode announcing the release of the podcast and letting y'all know that there was a name change. Originally it was going to be At the Intersection but since there were so many of those, I️ decided to keep it consistent and name the pod According to Weeze. Stay connected and tune in each week! ABOUT THE ACCORDING TO WEEZE PODCAST Hosted by Louiza "Weeze" Doran, According to Weeze is a podcast founded on the belief that we exist at the intersection of our complex identities, politics and socio-cultural systems! Each week Weeze engages in complex, yet candid conversations focused on socio-political and personal matters in hopes of finding a way forward in community. The only way to dismantle oppression is to dissect it, so meet her at the intersection and learn how to create a just, equitable, and inclusive society. ABOUT WEEZE Louiza Doran, known and referred to as Weeze, is a cis-het Amazigh* female identifying human who uses she/her/they/them pronouns. She’s known as a coach, podcast host, advocate, agent of change, strategist and educator (to name a few) but is ultimately a compassionate provocateur that is out to help folks uncover their path of possibility. FOLLOW WEEZE TO STAY ENGAGED Website: https://www.accordingtoweeze.com IG: accordingtoweeze The Academy (it’s like Patreon): https://www.accordingtoweeze.com/the-academy MUSIC CRED. “Dreams & Nightmares Instrumental” prod. by The Beat Bully “The Other Side of America Instrumental” prod. by MerOne Music