Speak For Change Productions

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Speak For Change Productions

Mission: To create positive and lasting change in our global and local communities

25/09/2023

It has been so much fun working with Jules on our new venture Ignite Nexus! ( )
Working with someone who has had to navigate high stakes deals, climb the corporate ladder from the bottom up in a male dominated field, and is still so caring about the people that she works with, has been more than inspiring!
Our first of our monthly workshops are happening at the end of October!

The Collaborative Negotiation Workshop! (Link in bio Oct.28th at Radius Gallery in Santa Cruz) you will learn the basics of negotiation, salary negotiation and more!
I am so excited for this and I know for a fact a lot of us could benefit from this knowledge and we are lucky Jules is offering this!
Check out the link page in bio! Let us know if you have any questions!

22/08/2023

Out now!!!
This episode is just FULL of wisdom from New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone! ( ) It's always great to have so much fun with someone on the podcast! As you know if you listen to most of my episodes we always have a good time on the show, and this episode is no different!
We dive deep into the world of young adult literature, discussing the need for representation, and the importance of highlighting human experiences. Stone shares her spiritual journey and how she views the impact of her work.
She also unveils her unique approach to capturing the essence of human experiences in her writing.
This episode inspired me when we recorded it and also inspired me when I listened to it again!
So grateful for this platform!

21/08/2023

I keep coming back to this conversation with & .
Working in these institutional spaces promoting and implementing diversity,equity, inclusion and belonging strategies has gotten a lot harder with the recent actions by Supreme Court striking down affirmative action.
This work is already uncomfortable & difficult , but now organizations have a legal precedent for not bringing up race when trying to decolonize their systems and behaviors.
The heartbreaking part, is that organizations who explicitly are doing this work are having to make decisions that dramatically affect their funding thus their livelihood. If they continue to consider race as a factor in engagement and spreading resources they could lose funding.
It feels like a serious hit on anti-racism work.
Talking with Dr.Kendi and Nic Stone reminded me that racism is insidious in our society. I am also reminded by the many conversations I have had with consultants who have been doing anti-racist work for 30+ years, that echo Dr. Kendi's point of view.
We need more curious and courageous people in positions of power to fund these organizations and initiatives to fight the clear attack on anti-racist ideologies. We need people who despite their fear and discomfort make a stand for this work and help fund it.
If people in power don't make a stand I fear instead of being part of a marathon, we will find ourselves on a treadmill toward progress. In a world where negative peace is the norm and positive peace is unfortunately only seen on the fringes of society.

16/08/2023

Rest in Power to "The Black Godfather" Clarence Avant.
"I don’t have problems, I have friends"
"My job is to move us[Black folks] forward."
“You’ve to take risks if you wanna make it is life. Yah, be ready for losses.”

15/08/2023

**Out now! Link in bio or wherever you get your podcasts! **
One of the reasons I love doing podcasts is that more times than not I leave the discussion with a new friend. This is 100% the case for this episode with Teagan ( )
We recorded this episode outside, in front of the Civic auditorium ( ) underneath a beautiful tree! The ambiance really added to the experience of this episode!
Teagan is a power house of a human being a violinist ,multi-instrumentalist, performance artist, personal trainer, and so much more! Truly a person after my own heart.
We discussed so many topics including:
- various programs from the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. ( )
Can BB on- Her career as a musician/educator and her experimental/theatrical duo Persophone & The Phoenix (.phoenix )
- personal training
- orchestral music being more accessible
And so much more!

12/08/2023

**out now wherever you get your podcasts!**
When I first met Adam ( ) he immediately made me feel welcome. I knew immediately that I wanted to talk with him. I am so glad I did!
This episode was so much fun and impactful, I left feeling hopeful about the future of community and music!
We explored a large variety of topics like race, music, history, and personal development! Interweaving stories and insights creating this awesome conversation!
I hope you enjoy it! And check him out at the this weekend!

03/08/2023

Santa Cruz! We need you! Share and speak up!
********
Repost

Do you know this person? Call the tip

Line at (831) 420-5995!

On Saturday July 29th at 5:58pm an unidentified person defaced the Black Lives Matter Mural on Center St. in front of City Hall. The person dumped a can of blue paint over the middle of the mural. The suspect is described as a white male adult, wearing a light blue shirt, khaki or white shorts, white slip-on sandals, a blue helmet and a paper mask covering his face. The person was seen on surveillance video arriving to and leaving the scene on a red Vespa or similar type of scooter.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the public's help in identifying the person. Information may be provided anonymously through the Tip Line by calling (831) 420-5995 and leaving a voice message, or by submitting a tip online through the Police Department Website. Information may be provided through any of the Santa Cruz Police Departments Social media accounts via direct message.

We condemn any form of racism within our community, and we will not tolerate any actions that seek to disrupt the harmony of our diverse population. It is our firm belief that Santa Cruz must serve as a sanctuary for everyone, irrespective of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation.

You can view the media briefing by clicking on the link in our bio.

30/07/2023

New logo! Thanks !

20/04/2023

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

18/04/2023

Hey y'all ! My next LIVE event will be on 4/20 with at ! There will be a screening of Madre's dance/music performance (E)Cho (Q)uene and will discuss the inspiration and Madre's work as an artist that includes themes of Black Freedom, techno as a Black invention and being such an eclectic artist.
On a real note this will be the last show from me for awhile! These events have been some of the most transformative and empathetic spaces I have been part of.
I am transitioning somethings in my life and just appreciate all the support you all have given me. Thank you.

Link in bio for tickets
Linker.ee/speakforchangepodcast

11/04/2023

So I am definitely an emo kid at heart. Rocking out to some MCR ( ) , or some The Used ( ) and even some All That Remains ( ) when I am feeling like life is too much or when I find myself feeling a sense of frustration about my world.
This is something Raymond and I share on this episode. We discuss mental health, addiction and the power of humbling oneself to ask for help when you need it.
Just writing this out just reminds me how hard it is to ask for help. It's hard because it is vulnerable. And being vulnerable is not a great feeling and to be honest, pretty damn exhausting!
Well, I'm hope you enjoy this new episode of streaming everywhere!

05/04/2023

Special Episode! Out now on all streaming platforms! 20 min run time.
Talked with Jim Brown executive Director of about this amazing new grant The Central Coast Creative Corps Grant!
Information!

Application Deadline: May 1, 2023.
Location: The Central Coast Region (Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties).

Eligibility: Nonprofit/fiscally sponsored organizations, Government agencies, Tribal government.

Amount: $140,000 in funding for One year (9/23-8/24). $100,000 goes to the artists.

Important: You don't need an artist or a real plan to complete this grant. Just need to show the impact you want to make and How you are open and ready to collaborate.

Artists: Make sure to register and start talking with potential organizations now.

Goal: Is to invest in artists across disciplines to partner with nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal governments to collaboratively advance civic engagement, public health, social justice, and climate resilience across the Central Coast.

05/04/2023

Y'all this happening all month in April ! Seriously don't want to sleep on this!
Santa Cruz is getting to be pretty cool 😂

04/04/2023

Out now on all streaming platforms!
I loved talking with about our relationship with technology and how it can actually lead to transformative and positive change in our lives if approached with boundaries!
I have a rock relationship with technology, I love it for all the things I can express and do, however I hate it because of how addictive my phone, social media and other apps can be!
This was a helpful episode to really explore that relationship and understand how we can be in relation with these devices in a healthy way!
Hope you enjoy!

30/03/2023

Next event! 4/20! Tickets in bio or in comments!
Stoked to be discussing topics around Black Freedom, Techno music as a Black invention and history as Black artist!
Hope you can make it!

28/03/2023

Out now! .matriz with !
The arts are transformative! I have seen this and experienced this first hand.
Loved talking with Mija about the arts and it's impact when it is inclusive!
Episode in bio and all streaming platforms!

22/03/2023

Posting book recommendations from the books I read on this new sister page ! Check it out of you wanna be in the loop for some good reads! 🙏🏾📖
We ask every interview of book recommendations And I try my best to read them! Excited for this other part of the podcast!

21/03/2023

OUT NOW! on all streaming platforms!
As many of us know in the USA houselessness is a real and complex issue here. I talked with with about how they work with the unhoused!
Compared to Santa Cruz it's night and day! One comparison that I can get out of my head is that no matter if you are addicted to drugs , or have pets they will find you housing with the support you need. While in Santa Cruz they mostly require people to be sober, no pets etc.
Obviously there is nuance that I maybe missing but this conversation was amazing so check it out!

14/03/2023

👁️Out now on all streaming platforms! 🔗 In bio 👁️
✨
Have you ever had the experience where you just meet someone and y'all are instantly friends?
Well, that's how it felt meeting Athena ( ). I consider her a good friend and when you listen to this episode y'all can feel that with all the laughter!
✨
Athena truly embodies an ideology of building connections and meaningful relationships. Her main tool to do this is her camera! She is a master photographer, but uses this skill to connect and build meaningful relationships!
✨
When I was Eugene to have this conversation, it was so much fun hanging out with Athena and her extremely talented partner Steven! They collectively operate an inspiring mixed media company called .co which engages in the community on such a creative and playful level!
✨
I really hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did recording it!

13/03/2023

Excited for tomorrow's episode with !! She truly is such an amazing human being. co

12/03/2023

Special episode out NOW! Very short episode specifically about what people can do to help the community of Pájaro!
On all streaming platforms link in bio and comments.
From this brief conversation with Nora of and other volunteers it was clear what the need was.

- MONEY: to support these displaced families who cannot work, whose homes and cars have been destroyed.

is taking donations and DIRECTLY helping these displaced families with no bureaucracy!
(Links in episode description)

- CLOTHES: New underwear, New socks, NEW clothing, Jackets, diapers etc..

Please visit for updates on what they need!

07/03/2023

Out now on all streaming platforms!

Talicia Brown-Crowell grew up in San Jose, California. In 1992, Talicia came to Oregon to attend Reed College in Portland, and then moved to Eugene in 2000. For 20 years, Talicia has worked in public health, staffed rites-of-passage for Black folks in Memphis, and built her successful Black-owned business, Harmony Massage, in Eugene.
Her work is inspired by the mentorship of two dearly beloved people in her life. Her best friend of 17 years, Bob Dritz, was the clinic coordinator of White Bird Clinic in Eugene for 25 years and the founder of CAHOOTS, of international renown.
Sobonfu Somé, Talicia’s spiritual teacher for 8 years, is known as the world’s foremost authority in African spirituality. After years of attending predominately white music festivals, and then getting to experience Black-centered cultural spaces and Brown family reunions in Gurdon, Arkansas, Talicia has a deep desire to create safe and connected events that center Blackness.
The question she continually asks herself is “What would a cultural festival look like today, in this place, that centers Black people, and is for us, by us?” The Black Cultural Festival is her answer to that question.
In addition to producing the Black Cultural Festival, Talicia has started the nonprofit Black Cultural Initiative. Her newest project is purchasing an office building, in which she will convert into her region’s first Black business development center. It’s name is The People’s Collective Black Business Center.

04/03/2023

*Coming out Tuesday at 12am!**
Talicia Brown-Crowell !
Business owner of Harmony Massage and founder of the annual Black Cultural Festival in Eugene, Oregon.
We chat about Blackness in historical white spaces with a specific focus on Eugene, Oregon and more! Hope you can tune in!

28/02/2023

Out now! 🔗 In bio or below!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1487572/12326872
Being a Black & Mixed Race Outdoorsman, Author & Principal at an Alternative Education School.
Dante Zúñiga-West ( )is a storyteller and outdoorsman who lives in the coastal mountain range of Oregon. He is author of the novel Rumble Young Man Rumble (2014, Zharmae Press) and founder of the Oregon-based writing collective known as The Stonecutters Union. His writing is frequently published in alternative newspapers, lifestyle magazines and adventure journals. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Cal Arts, and a BA in Creative Writing from The Evergreen State College. He serves as Head of School at The Wellsprings Friends School.

27/02/2023

**release date tomorrow 2/28! *"
Next episode is part of our explore series Oregon Edition!
Our guest is Dante Zúñiga West ( ) a Black & Mixed race outdoorsman, author & Principal for an alternative education school ( ) This guy is AMAZING! Stay Tuned!
Oregon series is sponsored by !
And
Speak For Change community!
Thank you!

26/02/2023

So just wanted to check in!
2022 was quite the learning year for me, as I have mentioned before. I took a break from the podcast( and a lot of other engagements) to focus on healing, boundaries & getting my mind in order.
I am stoked to be coming back more focused & centered!
I will be producing an episode every Tuesday! I have quite the back log of AMAZING conversations with such inspiring people I can't wait to share!
This also includes the Explore Series: Oregon edition which was sponsored by & YOU this amazing Speak for change community.
Thank you all for your continued support and continued love!

Love
Thomas

25/02/2023

Revisiting this amazing episode by !

23/02/2023

📷
Everything is connected! It is important to understand the influence of the African Diaspora on all parts of music and our society.
In our conversation Elena talked about how in her improvisations that she found herself not even knowing she was playing certain rhythms rooted in the Diaspora till her friend and collaborator Lionel Loueke brought it to her attention!
We also discussed how it is important now more than ever to really be curious and to really understand these connections in a time when there is so much erasure going on in our society and political landscape.
Her piece A Diaspora Journey explores this in such a visceral and nonlinear way that you really feel the power of the African Diaspora. Anyone who was at the performance could corroborate that it was so impactful and beautiful!
We Explored a lot in this amazing conversation!!
So grateful that this conversation happened:
thank you Elena
Thank you Black Health Matters Initiative of Santa Cruz County
Thank you Kuumbwa Jazz Center!

11/02/2023

This TWO day event is going to be AMAZING! You wanna grab your ticket ASAP! 🔗 IN BIO!
FEB 21 7pm at Kuumbwa Jazz Center

Is Elena Pinderhughes & Lionel Loueke's world premiere A Diaspora Journey, A five-part musical suite, that explores the myriad musical traditions – spanning time and continents – to reflect the many ways that Black people and cultures have expressed and told their stories.
This is a ticketed event so grab those tickets!!

Feb 20th 6pm at Kuumbwa Jazz Center

Is an authentic conversation with Elena Pinderhughes around her journey, her inspiration for this piece and why it's important for us to reflect on how Black people have influenced the whole world!
This is a FREE event so first come!
Thank you for Black Healthy Matters of Santa Cruz County for sponsoring this event and having me be the moderator! Please support them they are doing amazing work in our community!
I am so excited for these events!

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Videos

Episode with Chief Andy @chiefandymills Mills will be dropping this Thursday at 12am PST! Stay Tuned!

**Full episode coming out tomorrow at 8am PST** . In this video Abi and I are chatting about how I process my emotions with art!. . This whole episode was a partnership between Yoga For All Movement's Move For Change event Abi and I talk about relationship between Social Justice and The arts.We cover so many different avenues to create those connections. We talk about personal development to Politics. I can't wait to share the whole episode! Love you all and thank you Thomas @abimustapha @yogaforallmovement @speakforchangepodcast @thomassagepedersen

This is a clip from Yoga For All Movement's @yogaforallmovement Move for Change event where Co-host, artist and activist Abi Mustapha @abimustapha and I talked about the relationship between the arts and social justice. . Wow! I absolutely love talking with Abi we end up talking about SO MANY awesome topics in one sitting. We can literally talk for hours. * In this discussion we really dove deep in the connections the arts have with social justice movements and how personal development plays an essential role in that. . *Shout outs* ***** To Solomon Scott @mogul.ghoul our video and audio engineer!! * The Yoga For All Movement's crew for putting this on and partnering with us!! @yogaforallmovement @juliainroses @shanieloveyfam * Ever Forward Club @everforwardclub for the awesome t shirt and the excellent work you do with young men in the community! #millionmaskmovement Thank you and love you all

**How do emotions effect your everyday decisions?** This is a clip from Yoga for all Movement's @yogaforallmovement Move For Change event, where Abi Mustapha @abimustapha and I chatted about the relationship between arts and social justice. . I always have such a fun time chatting with Abi! We can talk literally for hours about a variety of topics. Moving from personal development to politics to spirituality. It is truly a blessing. . In this clip we are talking about the relationship between emotions, arts and social justice movement. Full recording will be released next week on the speak for change podcast platform. ***SHOUT OUT!!*** Solomon Scott @mogul.ghoul for the videos and audio editing!! ** Yoga For All Movent @yogaforallmovement for having me on this platform ** Ever Forward Club @everforwardclub for the amazing shirt and doing amazing things in the community for young men. #millionmaskmovement ** Tannery world Dance @twdcc_dance and Cultural Center for the amazing things they are doing in the community especially with the health of black folks ** The Tannery Arts Center @tanneryartscenter for allowing me to have a space in the center thank you. Thank you and love you all Thomas

Link in bio! Out now! Man, I will be listening to this tomorrow and write up a post about it! Just wanted to share my gratitude to Nativo and his podcast. I have so much love for him and what he does. If you haven't listened to his podcast I highly recommend it. He also is based in Santa Cruz !! #Repost @paidthecost831 (@get_repost) ・・・ A podcast to most, but for me and Tommy P @thomassagepedersen just another meet up and convo. This podcast meant a lot to me because from the start me and Thomas connected on that “level.” I remember the first time we met up at my house and sat in the studio for 2-3 hours. I really needed that at the time. I was going through a transitional period in my life and sometimes having that open minded friend to let you know that there’s other things that factor in really helps you see the light. @thomassagepedersen I got a lot of love for you my man! Thank you for your hard and persistent work in our community. Thank you for being you and speaking for change @speakforchangepodcast and last but not least thank you for keeping people’s left side of the brain active with @everyonesmusicschool ! Was this a @speakforchangepodcast or @paidthecost831 ???? We’ll let the listeners decide!! Link in bio to this cerebral podcast!!😏🧠 Original beat produced by my brother @kalionthebeat 🎶 Honorable mentions: @urbanmoguls_b @neverscaredlifestyle @thee_lee_earl @reggiestephens28 #paidthecostpodcast #speakforchange #thoughts #thoughtprovoking #santacruz #race #creativepodcast #podcastcommunity #podcastnetwork #podcastinterview #podcastincolor #latinopodcast #podcastlatino #podcastmovement #community #communication #centralcoast #podcasts #podcasthosts #podcastrecommendations #podcastrecommendation #podcastday #podcastoftheday #podcastlove #podcastnews #podcastshows #applepodcasts #spotfiy #spotifypodcast

*Are you living your dream or someone else's?* . This morning's download was about being you in the face of adversity. . Not giving a f**k what others think of you , but instead caring about how you think of you. . Are living a life of integrity? Do you have Self-respect? Are you living just to please others?. . We (or at least I have) have spent so much time and energy doing things to get approval from others. Wanting to be accepted or liked. To feel part of a community. . What I have found is that to authentically be accepted, or be in community, you need to discover who you are and what your gifts are. To do that you need to be able to explore yourself without the burden of being insecure of what others perceptions are of you. . Liberate yourself! Stop giving a f**k what others think of you and attract those who are in alignment with your authenticity. . Don't fear making "enemies" or not making everyone happy that is the result of you being honest with yourself. The people who stick around are your community. You just have to make that commitment to yourself to live in alignment with your values and purpose. Love you and thank you, Thomas

** What do you have control over in your life?** This morning was rough. . Had some drama with one of my businesses, and felt overwhelmed. . It just reminded me how much control we have over our lives! . We can control of how we respond to situations in our lives. . We can control how we show up in our lives. . If you are.tired of your job or career you have the power to make that change right here and right now. . It may not be fast, but you can do it! . . Look at the things you have control over in your life and don't fret the things you don't! Love you and Thank you Thomas

**Do you like to celebrate and why??( Small wins, birthdays, holidays etc)** . I use to hate Celebrating my birthday or any holiday!* * For the holidays I would use it as an excuse to be cynical and for my birthday I would use it as an excuse to be sad. * The past few years I have been SUPER excited to celebrate everything and anything! Small little victories became super exciting for me. My birthday I just wanted to have fun! Holidays no matter what the holiday is I wanted to celebrate! . It was an uncomfortable shift in my perspective into Celebrating the small wins in life. I felt as if I wasn't suppose to celebrate. . My inner dialogue would say "what if you fail the next thing?" "Don't get your hopes up this can be all taken away" . . At the end of the day life is to f**king short. We need to enjoy this time with people we love and doing things that bring us joy and purpose. . Be like my friend and past guest Charlie Conable ( @nycharliegirl ) Dance whenever and wherever you want to! Enjoy life here and now. . 3 reasons why you should Celebrate small wins. . 1. Life Should be CELEBRATED! Celebrating small wins is the gate way drug into celebrating life in the NOW. 2. It's a safer arena for exploring vulnerability. It's uncomfortable to celebrate small wins and life but when you do it feels GOOD! Which is not always the case in exploring vulnerability. 3. It is Fun!! When you get use to celebrating small victories is becomes fun your life becomes a celebration. You start to tap into that energy of "luck" and attraction. Your confidence goes up you feel ok with expressing yourself. At the end of the day life needs to be Celebrated if you want to live a happy and fulfilled life. Start small and feel the expansion!! Love you! And Thank You Thomas #livebravelyandcommitfully #speakforchange101

On Tik-Tok now! Going to be sharing inspirational content! Heads up I was pretty tired in this video but I felt the call to share so I did!! . 3 Things that have helped me grow spiritually, personally and in business. . 1. Self Acceptance: loving who you are at this moment so you can get of your way for naturally occurring change to take place. Also allowing yourself to truly be in the moment 2. Vision: Being able to see where you want to go and become. Strengthening your imagination te be able to see, feel and sense your future personality business, organization, community , relationship etc. Practice letting go of your current mindset and open your mind to an infinite mindset. 3. Grit: working hard at your dreams, allowing yourself to see opportunities and jump on them. Being consistent in your goals and dreams. Love you all!

Sound on!! I am SO PROUD of past guest and friend Joy Flynn ( @assemblewithjoy ) for winning this award! . Joy is family to me and I am so excited her efforts are being recognized!! . Joy does so much behind the scenes for the community, all the time! I am so stoked and inspired by everything she does. Love ya Joy and thanks for being an inspiration! #blackexcellence #localsantacruz #santacruzbeach #speakforchange101

Friday With The Arts: Cellista

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