The Aspiring Spirit Podcast

Is it you? Or is dialogue across differences more challenging despite our best efforts? Dr. McKenzie shares some reasons why and what we can do.

I have a discussion on how certain words will trigger certain reactions in the dialogue spaces- in particular I use my own personal example of choosing not to use the term white privilege, but focusing history to convey the need to focus on building community in a way that is acknowledging of past harms so that people have equal life chances; nonetheless, there are those who may hear that differen...

In a world of polarization being centered, we can create connection to build resilience and freedom from disharmony and to focus on how to create relationships that exceed our identities. This is part of a series discussing what we need to consider.

Disagreement of the highest magnitude is resonating in many parts of society. The global is becoming local. Discussions are showing us where we have gaps in our ability to understand one another or find peaceful resolutions. This episode asks: What is our response and who represents that?

2024 promises to be a year where there will be much discussion, and perhaps disagreement. We are hoping that you are inspired to find ways to be present and mindful of the world around you and the world you hope for. This episode is a reflection about being mindful and appreciative, even amidst all of the things we are striving towards.

Thank you for supporting the podcast. We want to reiterate, our deep desire that this podcast helps to illuminate the need for community, and for considering the ideas that bring us closer and examining the things that might create difference.

In this episode, we explore some of the reasoning behind the formation of a Northshore branch of the NAACP. We hear from one of the founding members, Tachou, about the impetus and the hopes for community healing and a sense of belonging for everyone.

As we consider the ongoing need to address different community needs, viewpoints, and actions. It is important to consider how this impacts our ability to get along and how it affects our sense of stability.

This is our first episode of 2023. We have appreciated the feedback support and excitement about our work. This podcast began two years ago, to address some of the social conversations we were having and to place it within a context where we could talk about it calmly and reflect on it together. In this episode Dr. McKenzie reflects on MLK‘s legacy that we celebrate in January to remind us of his...

What is the history and purpose of Juneteenth? Here is a short synopsis for us to reflect on. 

In this episode I reflect on parenting my son through a school related issue around his exposure to some social constructs. Many parents are wrestling with this all over the United States and it is possible that there are more nuances then we expect, and continued dialogue is essential instead of avoiding or “canceling” each other.

Often when it comes to race or if there are affinity groups that are meant to address race, there are often assumptions that it means those spaces are being too exclusive or sometimes there is a desire to deliberately broaden the topic- is this OK or is it a microagression? Is it a necessary stance to grapple with? We consider this issue in this episode.

Message to City of Beverly as part of the presentation organized but the Human Rights Committee.

In order for people to live in a society together there are usually rules for engagement and ways that help us to decide how to interpret the rules; but in order to do that it requires understanding each ‘s positions and trusting those systems. I believe we are at a crossroads where we are trying to decide whether we agree on those rules and systems.

As we approach a day we were making choices about political preferences, it brings to mind that there are many things that we are trying to wrestle with as a society.

Co-Hosts of Aspiring Spirit podcast, Dr. McKenzie and Mr. DeFranza discuss the challenges with the term and understanding of "CRT".  They share that it can in fact refer to two different terms, not the same in meaning,  but both are stirring debate in education and society.

COVID restrictions are being lifted and as we once again share public space, are the divisions even greater?

In a 15 minute overview - Dr. McKenzie goes over these phrases, their origins, and what they may mean in terms of how we look at the ongoing discussions on racial justice.

In this spring season of hope and renewal, we are talking about how in the yoga community one organization among others, has been centering the healing of women of color. In this interview Kenann discusses the work of Woman Warrior, which focuses on healing sexual trauma for women survivors.

We, Dr. K McKenzie and Andrew DeFranza reflect on what has been valued, unveiled and requires more visibility in the various community experiences mid pandemic. We had a special shout out to Cornell for CBAA and our dog managed to say hello at one point in the recording! Enjoy!

In the United States Black history month is a time where we refocus energies to sharing the history of people of African descent from enslavement onward. Although people of African descent have histories that preceded this time, this has been the focus. However, the rationale is sometimes not widely understood.

2020 has been impactful in many ways... we looking forward to reconvening in 2021

A review of how the film “13th” by Ava DuVernay highlights the issues with the criminal justice system historically via the 13th amendment, and what it may mean for a renewed agenda for increased fairness and transparency in the criminal justice system. This agenda would mean addressing discriminatory policies and practices that have brought about public outcry.

A reflection and commentary on the use of anthems in reflecting our aspirations. Ending with a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing!”

In this episode, we raise the issue of how the dichotomy created by groups and politicians between BLM and BlueLM is changing our thinking in unproductive ways.