Navigate the Now: Root • Rise • Reflect

Find us at: IG ⁠⁠⁠@navigatethenow⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠, email [email protected] What does it mean to leave everything behind, not once, but twice? In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Di Bella, a woman whose life has been shaped by resilience, displacement, and the search for stability across continents. Born and raised in Venezuela, Nancy shares what it was like growing up in a country rich in culture but increasingly defined by political turmoil and uncertainty. As conditions worsened, she and her family made the difficult decision to flee their home, joining millions forced to leave in search of safety and opportunity.But Nancy’s journey didn’t end there. After building a new life in the United States, she faced yet another turning point, one that led her to uproot everything again and start over in the United Kingdom this last year. In this conversation, Nancy opens up about identity, belonging, and the emotional toll of starting from scratch more than once. We explore the often hidden realities of migration, the grief, the courage, and the quiet strength it takes to rebuild.

Find us at: IG ⁠⁠@navigatethenow⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠, email [email protected] We sit down with Vicky Forrest, a long time journalist in Ohio as she shares her perspective on local journalism, its current decline, and what that means for our democracy. Vicky also shares her experience as a local reporter for the Springfield News and Sun during the rising local tensions and national scrutiny after Springfield experienced a significant population increase due to an estimated 25% population growth over the past 3-4  years, in part due to the arrival of Haitian immigrants (source, CNN).Vicky worked in radio news for 15 years covering regional news in Columbus, Dayton and Springfield as a reporter and anchor. She covered the rallies and press conferences of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan and still has her press badge from 1973. She most recently worked as a freelance reporter at the Springfield News and Sun.

Find us at: IG ⁠@navigatethenow⁠, ⁠Linktree⁠, email [email protected] Welcome back to Season 2! Join us as we sit down with Pranoo Kumar (she/they/we). Pranoo is a proud immigrant, educator, TEDx speaker, and founder of Rohi’s Readery—a social justice-driven children’s bookstore and learning center located in the Historic Northwest District of West Palm Beach. With a background in biology, medicine, and education, Pranoo brings over a decade of experience designing inclusive, identity-affirming learning environments across the country. From founding early childhood programs in Harlem and the South Bronx to co-creating Washington State’s first decolonized elementary charter, their work centers on culturally responsive literacy, equity, and healing-informed practice.Episode Links: Rohi's Readery- located at 630 7th St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401Rohi's Readery InstagramFacebookThe Power of Critical Literacy | Pranati Kumar | TEDxLynnUniversity

IG @navigatethenow, Linktree, email [email protected] Join us as we sit down with Amal and A to discuss the history and lived realities of occupied Palestine. Amal is an award-winning Palestinian-American illustrator, writer, and activist who grew up in Baltimore, witnessing the parallel struggles of dispossessed communities. She’s the co-host of Unbound: The Arts & Culture of Palestine, a radio program dedicated to uplifting and un-silencing Palestinian voices. A is one of the founding members of SUNY BDS, a coalition uniting students across all 64 SUNY campuses to push for boycott, divestment, and sanctions. They’re also deeply active in city-based organizing with Queens Shut It Down for Palestine, the Palestinian Youth Movement, and autonomous campaigns such as @stopyourliesnyt and @demilitarizebklynnavyyard. Episode Links: BDS: Boycott, Divestment, SanctionsPalestinian Youth MovementUnsubscribe from the New York Times Demilitarize Brooklyn Navy YardWithin Our LifetimeQueens Families for Palestine-Gaza and West Bank Journalists/Independent Journalists: Bisan Owda (Emmy Award: IT’S BISAN FROM GAZA AND I’M STILL ALIVE)Lama Jamous (child journalist from Gaza forcibly displaced to Egypt)Leila WarahNida’ IbrahimRaya OrouqFPTV West Bank activists:Alaa Hathleen from Masafer Yatta (film: NO OTHER LAND) The Andrey Rehab Nazzal (film VIBRATIONS FROM GAZA)Radio: Unbound the arts & culture of Palestine Genocide for reluctant readersNews sources: The Electronic IntifadaMondoweiss

Robyn Moreno is a proud Tejana, storyteller, and spiritual seeker whose work bridges culture, healing, and empowerment. Robyn is an Emmy-nominated TV host, 4-time author,  meditation teacher, and practitioner of Curanderismo. Through her book Get Rooted, her years leading Latina magazine as Editor-In-Chief and Co-President, she’s uplifted the voices and stories of Latinas and women of color everywhere. She has been invited to the White House, Sundance Film Festival, SXSW Interactive; and has interviewed powerhouse women  such as Rihanna,  Jennifer Lopez ,  Eva Longoria, Hillary Clinton author Isabel Allende, Latina activist Dolores Huerta and more. Connect with Robyn: https://www.robynmoreno.com/IG: @robynnmorenoGet Rooted with Robyn

Find us at:Instagram: ⁠@navigatethenow⁠Linktree: ⁠Navigate the Now⁠Email: [email protected] to episode 3 with Jennifer De Jesus! In this episode we discuss with Jennifer the importance of reproductive health, rights, and justice through her decade of experience in the field. Jennifer has held leadership roles at Planned Parenthood, HealthQ, and is a founding member of Pro-Choice Therapists, a platform connecting mental health professionals with pro-choice values.Links mentioned: Emily's List Pro-Choice Therapists Find Jennifer at: @jendejesus90

Find us at:Instagram: @navigatethenowLinktree: Navigate the NowEmail: [email protected] this episode we sit down with journalist and NYT bestselling author, Beth Macy. In her new title Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America, Beth details her return to her hometown Urbana, Ohio. We discuss Beth's work in exploring and detailing the forces that have eroded the social fabric of America, including the loss of middle class jobs and the corrosive effect of social media. Beth's memoir couldn't have been more relevant to our mission at Navigate the Now! Find Beth at: Instagram: @bethmacyFacebook: Beth Macy, AuthorSubstack: Beth Macy Website: Intrepid Paper Girl

Find us at: Instagram: @NavigatetheNowLinktree: Navigate the NowEmail: [email protected] 2! We’re back from our extended summer break and diving right in. From our time at the Bad Bunny Residency in Puerto Rico to recent current events such as ICE raids, political violence and double standards in media, to the recent response to Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl. This season we’re switching it up with a part 1 and part 2. Expect five new episodes dropping throughout October and November. We’ll be returning in January to with another 5 episodes in part 2. We’re so excited to be back with incredible guests, honest conversations, and plenty of moments to Root, Rise, and Reflect as we Navigate the Now.

Join us as we discuss current events and recap some of our favorite moments of the season. We'll be back this fall with some exciting guests lined up, root, rise, reflect <3 Enjoy our content? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe! Contact: [email protected] Visit us at: IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@navigatethenow⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠

In this episode we sit down with Oneika Mays,  a writer, teacher, and multi-hyphenate facilitator. Oneika shares her journey from teaching mindfulness at Rikers Island to becoming a voice for healing, justice, and transformation. We discuss spiritual activism, METTA Meditation, embracing change, and how mindfulness can be a radical tool for liberation. Her upcoming memoir Sit With Me: A No BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation (HarperOne, releasing March 2026) is a reflection of the powerful work she’s doing, we’re honored to hold space with Oneika.Enjoy our content? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe! Contact: [email protected] Visit us at: IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠@navigatethenow⁠ ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠Episode Notes/Referenced MaterialsIG: @oneikamaysLinktreePre-order: Sit With Me Sit With Me: A No BS Journey to Mindfulness and Meditation

**We would like to dedicate this episode to Maria Isidro of Live Oak, FL who was unjustly detained arriving for a scheduled court appearance. Maria held 2 court approved petitions/stays of removal. She was recently and unknowingly driven to the Mexican border and left after being withheld food for 4 days as a diabetic. Maria's son's words are shared in our intro. Donate to Maria's legal expenses -> (CashApp) $DaniellaIsidro (see QR code for Zelle and CashApp on our IG page) .**In this episode Katie Old Crow breaks down due process , habeas corpus, legal loopholes being exploited currently, and more. Enjoy our content? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe! Contact: [email protected] Visit us at: IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠@navigatethenow⁠ ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠Episode Notes/Referenced MaterialsFind Katie on Instagram -> @ktmmiller004 See our IG for further details on supporting Maria Isidro

Part 2: Fr. Carl continues his thoughts on Christianity's place in the modern world, exploring the use of religion as a mechanism of love vs. power and control by the U.S. Christian Right.Enjoy our content? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe! Contact: [email protected] Visit us at: IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠@navigatethenow⁠ ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠Episode Notes/Referenced Materials⁠Episcopal Mission Instagram⁠ (@way.of.love.in.sunnyside)⁠Episcopal Mission Sunnyside⁠

Part 1: In this two part episode we are sitting down with the Rev. Dr. Carl Adair of the the new Episcopal Mission In Sunnyside, Queens. In part 1 Fr. Carl offers his perspective on finding a new way of engaging with community and gathering folks within Christianity and beyond in a world that is often at odds with traditional Christian values. *A special dedication to Estela Laurencio and Mary and Maynard Amstutz for providing us our own guidance in showing up in love and care. *Enjoy our content? Be sure to like, share, and subscribe! Contact: [email protected] Visit us at: IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠@navigatethenow⁠ ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠Episode Notes/Referenced MaterialsEpiscopal Mission Instagram (@way.of.love.in.sunnyside)Episcopal Mission Sunnyside

Join us as we sit down with Zehra and Bella of Sunnyside Woodside Mutual Aid Group in Queens, NY to discuss what is Mutual Aid and how it differs from traditional models of charity and nonprofits. Zehra also shares with us her current project in the works, Saat Saath, a future mutual aid- and art-centered third space fostering resilience in community. Enjoy our content? Be sure to like, share, subscribe! Contact: [email protected] Visit us at: IG ⁠⁠⁠@navigatethenow ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠Episode Notes/Referenced MaterialsSunnyside & Woodside Mutual Aid/ IG: @swma.nycDean Spade: Author (booklist)Saat Sath IG: @Saat.SaathDeath Panel Podcast w/ Dean Spade: Love in a Fucked Up World

Join us as we sit down with journalist Mónica Espitia to discuss her perspective on the culture of American politics, what's often at the root of tough conversations, and work-life balance. Mónica is a Colombian-born journalist currently working at The Wall Street Journal. Contact: [email protected] Enjoy our content? Be sure to like, share, subscribe! Visit us at: IG ⁠⁠⁠@navigatethenow ⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠Episode Notes/Referenced MaterialsPulso y Péndulo Off Topics on Politics You Decide with Errol LouisPotomac Watch - Wall St. Journal Podcast

Join us this week as we unpack the influence of algorithms, social media, and the newscycle on our beliefs, and their reflection on society as a whole. Contact: [email protected] Enjoy our content? Be sure to like, share, subscribe! Visit us at: IG ⁠⁠@navigatethenow ⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠Episode Notes/Referenced MaterialsHow can social media and the internet impact the election?Social media and political polarization in America | 60 MinutesThe Social DilemmaOverview and key findings of the 2024 Digital News ReportU.S. Adults’ Knowledge About the WorldNews sources mentioned:Reuters, Globe and Mail, CBC (Canada), Al Jazeera (Qatar), BBC, The Guardian, The Economist, The Independent (UK), Sydney Morning Herald , The Times of India, South China Morning Post (Hong Kong), Hindustan Times (India)Foreign language outlets in also offered in English: El Pais (Spain), NHK (Japan Broadcasting Company), Buenos Aires Times, Latin News, Univision, El Universal (Mexico) 

In this episode we're breaking down the administration's recent "baby boom" proposals and offering our own perspective as (currently childless) millenial women. We're also delving into why we think women may be holding back on motherhood, and what programs and initiatives have proven successful in supporting women and families. Enjoy our content? Be sure to like, share, subscribe! Contact: [email protected] Visit us at: IG ⁠@navigatethenow ⁠, ⁠Linktree⁠Episode Notes/Referenced MaterialsWhite House Assesses Ways to Persuade Women to Have More Children -Caroline Kitchener Project 2025 Project 2025 TrackerThe Number of People Over 40 Giving Birth Surpasses Teens for the First TimeThe Impact of the Needs Based Childcare Scholarship Program in Park City and Summit County, One Year InReshma Saujani IG: @reshmasaujani Mom First Us: @momsfirstusBrave Not Perfect- Reshma Saujani How Trump 2.0 is slashing NIH-backed research — in charts

Join us as we explore community as the cornerstone of democracy, and the importance of social ties in building trust, accountability, and civic engagement. We reflect our own journey via interpersonal relationships, social groups, and grassroot networks.Enjoy our content? Be sure to like, share, subscribe! Visit us at: IG @navigatethenow , LinktreeEpisode Notes/Referenced MaterialsBowling Alone- Robert PutnamJoin or Die Documentary (Netflix)Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope-Bell Hooks⁠Christabel Mintah Galloway (IG ⁠@christabelmintahgalloway⁠)

Welcome to Navigate the Now! We’re kicking things off by introducing ourselves and discussing our personal connections to politics, past and present. We dive into family dynamics and how they’ve shaped us, and what it means to show up with an open mind and in good faith when facing hard conversations and current issues.Enjoy our content? Be sure to like, share, subscribe! Visit us at: IG ⁠@navigatethenow ⁠, ⁠Linktree⁠Episode Notes/Referenced MaterialsUniversity of Michigan: Intergroup Dialogue Community GuidelinesUniversity of Michigan: Identifying and Addressing Characteristics of White Supremacy Culture

Welcome to Navigate the Now!Feeling overwhelmed by the administration? You’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. This medium is our way of reclaiming hope, taking action, and staying grounded together.We’re Dalia and Allie, two gals in their late 30’s who’ve spent a good portion of their friendship engaging in activism and community. Join us in creating a space where advocacy meets community and self-reflection, where politics feel relatable and staying engaged feels possible.  We’re learning alongside you, bringing different perspectives and keeping it real while sharing a few laughs along the way!IG:@NavigatetheNowLinktree