wise outside

Maya and Alexa dive deep into a new reading about the willow tree.

Maya and Alexa explore themes of mindfulness, creativity, and community. They discuss the importance of meditation as a daily practice, the concept of 'public homework' for accountability in creative work, and the invaluable resources found within community relationships. The dialogue delves into the creative process, particularly in poetry, emphasizing the significance of reading aloud an...

Maya and Alexa explore the intricacies of creativity, grief, and the writing process. They discuss the importance of community, the integration of mind and body in creative expression, and the role of breath in writing. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of horizontal versus vertical writing, decoding poetry, and the human experience of pain and joy. The conversation culminates in a homework...

Maya and Alexa explore the creative process of writing, focusing on the metaphor of a willow tree as a container for emotions and experiences. They discuss the challenges of reading and sharing personal work, the importance of connecting with grief, and the need to show one's work in a way that resonates with others. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of physicality in writing, the explo...

Maya and Alexa explore the complexities of life, the importance of presence, and the wisdom imparted by figures often referred to as 'aunties.' They discuss the significance of storytelling, memory, and the art of holding space for others, emphasizing the need for vulnerability and intimacy in relationships. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight how these elements cont...

Maya and Alexa explore themes of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the importance of being heard. They delve into personal narratives, reflecting on childhood experiences, cultural contexts, and the role of supportive figures like 'Auntie' in their journeys. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of conversations and the need for vulnerability and trust in emotional exchange...

Maya and Alexa explore the intricacies of storytelling, personal experiences, and the importance of perspective in writing. They reflect on their homework assignments, the process of mining stories, and the significance of humor and healing in sharing experiences. The discussion delves into gender identity, the role of the 'auntie' lens in storytelling, and the creative practices that help...

Maya and Alexa explore the themes of grounding in the present, the concept of 'Wise Outside', and the power of storytelling. They discuss the importance of word association in understanding personal philosophies and the role of artists as societal reflectors. The dialogue delves into personal experiences with trust and relationships, the significance of community support through the auntie...

Maya and Alexa explore themes of creativity, personal growth, and the relationship between the self and artistic expression. They discuss the importance of community, nourishment, and the process of reflecting on past works, particularly poetry. The dialogue delves into the nuances of feeling connected to one's creative output, the distance one may feel from their past creations, and the journ...

Maya and Alexa explore the themes of creativity, poetry, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of having a supportive 'container' for creative expression, the emotional connection to reading and performing poetry, and the influence of ancestry and history on their work. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of breath in performance and the exploration of relationships through...

Maya and Alexa delve into the importance of asking meaningful questions in various relationships, including friendships, romantic partnerships, and teacher-student dynamics. They explore how these questions can foster deeper connections, promote self-reflection, and enhance personal growth. The discussion also touches on the significance of childlike curiosity and the interconnectedness of differe...

Summary In this episode, hosts Alexa and Maya reflect on their journey through 20 episodes of their podcast, discussing the importance of collaboration, exposure, and emotional intelligence in creative practices. They explore the dynamics of friendship and collaboration, the role of emotions in their work, and the significance of collective learning. The conversation emphasizes the value of being...

In this episode, Alexa and Maya discuss various themes including personal updates, the importance of truth and investigative journalism, the significance of eye contact and small talk in society, the practice of corporeal politics, and navigating modern tyranny and terror management. They emphasize the need for connection, critical thinking, and being engaged citizens in a rapidly changing world....

Summary Alexa and Maya explore various themes including community engagement, the power of language, grief, and the importance of truth in today's society. They discuss the nuances of intentional living, the impact of historical context on present conversations, and the role of empathy in understanding different perspectives. The dialogue also delves into the complexities of politics, the sign...

In this episode, Alexa and Maya explore themes of personal growth, creativity, and civic responsibility. They discuss the significance of embracing one's artistic expression, the importance of community engagement, and reflections on the political landscape through the lens of Timothy Snyder's 'On Tyranny'. The conversation emphasizes the need to stand out, resist conformity, and a...

Maya and Alexa explore various themes surrounding personal growth, relationships, and self-awareness. They discuss the importance of creating a welcoming environment for friends, the complexities of recognizing and navigating personal patterns in relationships, and the significance of breath in self-discovery. Humor and compassion are emphasized as essential tools in understanding and breaking unh...

In this conversation, Maya and Alexa explore the themes of resilience, trauma, and community, particularly in the context of recent events and personal experiences. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding resilience, especially in children, and the impact of social media on mental health. The conversation delves into the psychic costs of emotional labor and the importance of community support...

Hosts Maya and Alexa explore themes of community engagement, personal experiences during Pride, the significance of art and dance, reflections on the wisdom of Audre Lorde, and the importance of grief and self-care. They share their weekend activities, discuss the challenges of navigating social spaces, and emphasize the power of words and poetry in shaping identity and culture. The episode culmin...

Maya and Alexa explore themes of personal growth, vulnerability, and the evolving nature of goals. They reflect on their experiences since 2020, discussing how their practices and perspectives have shifted. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of flexibility in goal setting, the significance of self-care, and the power of community support. They celebrate accomplishments and share insights on na...

Alexa and Maya explore the multifaceted nature of Pride, queerness, and self-expression. They celebrate the joy of community and the importance of generational wisdom while navigating the complexities of identity and activism. The discussion touches on the role of art and performance in political expression, the historical context of queer activism, and the significance of connection and collectiv...

In this conversation, Alexa and Maya explore the complexities of spirituality, personal growth, and the challenges of navigating life's uncertainties. They discuss the importance of embracing change, the role of suffering in growth, and the significance of connecting with nature and ancestral wisdom. The dialogue emphasizes the continuous journey of self-discovery, the impact of emotional heal...

In this episode, hosts Alexa and Maya reflect on their journey through the first ten episodes of their podcast, Wise Outside. They discuss personal growth, the emotional waves that accompany creativity, and the importance of community and vulnerability in their partnership. The conversation touches on the genesis of their podcast, the role of storytelling in healing, and the significance of interg...

Alexa and Maya explore their favorite things from the past and present, reflecting on personal experiences, memories, and influences that have shaped their identities. They discuss everything from fashion choices and travel experiences to impactful teachers and cinematic inspirations, all while emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-expression. The dialogue flows seamlessly through va...

Maya + Alexa delve into various aspects of spirituality, exploring personal experiences, cultural influences, and the role of art in spiritual practices. They discuss generational perspectives on spirituality, the importance of community, and the need for rest and integration in personal growth. The conversation highlights the complexity of navigating religious experiences and the significance of...

In this conversation, Alexa and Maya explore themes of personal growth, partnerships, and the complexities of romantic relationships. They reflect on their experiences during Easter, discussing emotional awareness and the importance of self-care. The dialogue delves into the lessons learned from both conscious and unconscious teachers in their lives, emphasizing the significance of being seen and...