My Beloved Americans Podcast

30/01/2021

It’s almost my 1 year quarantine anniversary. Take a trip with me down memory lane…
February 2020 - I started working from home as COVID season started.
May - after the construction industry was hit hard, my unemployment season started.
June - a new anti-racism season started, and continues. ..In an effort to invest more of my money in black-owned businesses…
July - a season of Black Girl Magic Rosé (by the McBride Sisters) started.
August - the season of raging, polarizing, pull your hair out, dead-end political conversations started (though, let’s be real, it’s been going on for a while now). And, here in Seattle, spider season was starting.

I’m sitting outside, enjoying the pristine summer sun, taking a momentary breather from vicious political conversations... a little tipsy on rose, gearing up for election season, when it just hits me hard…

Our politics suuuuuuuck!!!! It’s not the first time I’ve felt this. I’d been disgusted by the decisions, rhetoric and hate of the current administration. I’m watching our country, my friends and family polarize further and further apart.

I had a good hour of a rosé rant about all the things I wished our country’s leadership were doing differently. We have multiple major, if not existential, crises occurring. While I’m not typically a doomsdayer type of person, I am deeply troubled by the potential of a civil war in this country and the possibility that humanity might not be able to pull our s**t together enough to survive.

Rather than keep wishing, I journaled what I wanted our leaders to say.
If we had the leadership I wanted to see, what would the POTUS be saying right now?
What would they be encouraging the American people to do?
And how would people respond if they heard a different message?

I invited a few friends on an artistic podcastic adventure.

September - we had a guest list and some basic podcast infrastructure.
October - we had launched our inaugural season!

And that’s how it happened. Come revisit it with us! https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/

30/01/2021

Hello there and welcome to folks who have more recently joined us! If, like us, you’ve reached the covid phase where you’re re-binge-watching your fav shows, then it’s the perfect time to take a look back and recap our first season, and welcome newcomers to the My Beloved Americans Podcast.

Politics are pulling people apart. It’s polarizing, aggravating, and nearly impossible to talk about politics across party lines (or within them).

At a time when many Americans can’t see a way forward together, My Beloved Americans takes on weighty conversations with a little levity and imagines a different outcome.

We get vulnerable, silly, reflective and inspired. We dig ourselves out of political despair and overwhelm, and remember what it feels like to co-create a bright future.

My Beloved Americans is a podcast series that is one part mock state of the union address, and one part intimate conversations with close friends. As an earnest satire, we explore the topics of beloved community, modern leadership, and how to overcome the wicked problems facing humanity. In many ways, it’s back to basics, exploring ideas across political lines in meaningful conversations.

We also explore the big question of WHAT THE F #&* DO WE DO?!?!??!??! Ie. How to lead in super volatile times, how to be civically engaged with no time, how to cope with the political firestorm during multiple compiling massive disasters, and how to strengthen community (instead of polarization).

We made My Beloved Americans for three simple reasons:
- We fear our leaders are driving us in the wrong direction and we want to instigate some good trouble (we're not the kind of people who watch from the sidelines).
- We believe building beloved community is the answer to the most existential problems humanity is facing.
- We love performance art, especially when it’s a little absurd and politically inclined.

Basically, we’re pretending to be the President giving the state of the union we wish we were getting.

Join us as we recap our inaugural season and get ready for what’s next! Follow along on https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/ or your fav podcast app.

01/12/2020

Just in time for the holidays, we're wrapping up Season 1 by getting back to basics with Erica Carlson and Megan Hart. These two wonderful women share the practices that help them celebrate the seasons, listen to their bodies, and stay anchored to their core values during these trying times. Come on over and listen!
https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen/episode-8-values

22/11/2020

We're so excited to share this week's episode with you soon. We chatted with "Not Yo Momma's Values" Coach Erica Carlson and Sasquatch Yoga Practitioner and Coach Megan Hart. Check them both out in the comments and stay tuned for their episode premiering soon!

19/11/2020

Did you know you can find My Beloved Americans on your favorite listening app 🎧? We’ve just added to the list. Come on over and check out season 1. https://www.pandora.com/podcast/my-beloved-americans-podcast/PC:41939?part=PC:41939&corr=podcast_organic_external_site&TID=Brand:POC:PC41939:podcast_organic_external_site.

10/11/2020

Many of us are wondering what the holidays will look like this year as covid cases spike. Will we get to see our loved ones? Will we adapt in creative ways? Will the interruption of our beloved celebrations fuel more serious efforts to contain the virus or further divide us? The hilarious and insightful Andrea and Tito bring their wit and charm to these reflections along with love stories, zombie apocalypse plans and chickens. https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen

08/11/2020

It's been a long election week and we're down to our last two episodes of the season! Check out Andrea Ramirez and Tito Livas as they join Episode 7, available now! https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen/episode-7-forecast

06/11/2020

This week, we're thrilled to announce our distinguished guests, Dr. Andrea Ramirez and Tito Livas! Stay tuned!

27/10/2020

Politics too scary and too much of a thriller for you this Halloween? 💀💀💀
Come on over and listen. 🎧✊🏽❤️
Satire, silliness, real conversations - we’re getting back to the basics of being good humans and making a better world together. Because it feels impossible to talk politics these days (and impossible not to). Join us as we dig ourselves out of political despair and overwhelm and remember what it's like to co-create a bright future. Here’s what we’re about: https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/about.html

21/10/2020

If this is your current mood, we are here for you. Our political system is designed to pull people apart and it’s polarizing, aggravating, and nearly impossible to talk about politics across party lines (or within them). At a time when many Americans can’t see a way forward together, we are here to take on weighty conversations with a little levity and imagine a different outcome.

We’re getting vulnerable, silly, reflective and inspired. We’re going to dig ourselves out of political despair and overwhelm and remember what it feels like to co-create a bright future.

21/10/2020

Come on over. Take a break from chaos. Sink into your favorite chair. And listen to our latest state of the union. Remember what it feels like to be beloved. Where is your fav spot to listen to podcasts? ❤️🎧🇺🇸 https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/

13/10/2020

Episode 6 is HOT off the press! Rachel Butler and Benjamin Bynum bring their small-town roots, big-hearted humor and expertise to the topics of change and grief. As practitioners who support and guide individuals and organizations through the stages of change, they share their candid, funny and poignant insights to how we can all ride the waves of change a little better. https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen/episode-6-change-grief

06/10/2020

What would MLK say about beloved community if he was alive today? 🇺🇸Episode 5 is available now! 🎧 Friends and professors Mark Jones and Carol Jakus explore the theme of Beloved Community as an attitude, practice and design reminding us how our daily actions shape the future of the country. Listen to their insights on how our brains react under stress and the importance of multiple perspectives. https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen/episode-5-beloved-community

04/10/2020

We are finishing up episode 5 talking about building beloved community - an attitude, a practice and a design. Each moment is an opportunity to chose it. Each moment is more precious than you may think. Stay tuned!

30/09/2020

Got a political hangover from the debate? If you’re in a tailspin, come on over and listen to what our POTUS has to say. New to the podcast? 🎧🇺🇸Start here: https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen/new-listeners-start-here Episodes 1-4 are available now. Our POTUS brings on the heavy hitting questions: What are we doing? Are we too different to make this country work? What is the vision for the future? And, how do we escape our polarization?

29/09/2020

35 days until the election. We will be watching the presidential debate tonight, listening for messages of belonging and beloved community.

26/09/2020

Episode 4 is here! Listen now. https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen/episode-4-polarization In episode four, the State of the Union helps us reflect on polarization, working as a group and taking a step toward coming together as a nation. Distinguished Guests Rachel Kjack and Vik Chopra share their reflections on trust, "othering" and the power of stories to bridge divides.

Check out their work with Unincarcerated Productions.

21/09/2020

We are excited for you to hear our guests for episode 4 where the POTUS talks about polarization. While we are hard at work editing, you can check out this virtual workshop, UNpolarizing: Beyond Conflict and Toward Community
Sat, September 26, 2020, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDT

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unpolarizing-beyond-conflict-and-toward-community-tickets-120580235731?fbclid=IwAR1MDKF-XD-QO5QOWsy4Ow9VT5GP1XrH2fnKPgADnaP-JQ2gVgbgGYgNM_w

20/09/2020

Thanks for the feedback! Our POTUS loves to hear from you and in the Age of Accountability he declared in episode 3, feedback is important. Let us know what you think of the American Dream our Podcast Prez proposed. Give us a 👍🏽 if you’re in! Listen to episode 3 here: https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen/episode-3-a-new-dream

18/09/2020

Episode 3 is here! The President declares an Age of Accountability, and Distinguished Guests Davey Wilkes and Marsha Rivera discuss the American Dream, the tale of Stone Soup and the value of learning partners. Listen now🎧. Leave us a comment and rating 🌟. Share with your friends🗣.

🍎 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-beloved-americans-podcast/id1530443048

Read about Episode 3 on our website: https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen/episode-3-a-new-dream

17/09/2020

Thanks for the reviews! Ratings, reviews and subscribing help podcasts get more visible to more listeners. Will you help us out too? Check us out on apple podcasts or your favorite podcast app. We are nearing 300 listens and want to hit 1,000. Share with a friend to help us double our reach today! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-beloved-americans-podcast/id1530443048

16/09/2020

In our third episode of My Beloved Americans, the President declares we are in an age of accountability, reflects on the story of stone soup, and invites us to examine the American Dream. Join us Friday to listen.

14/09/2020

It’s hard to know what’s really going on, how bad things really are, or what lies ahead. This article talking about the unraveling of America was a sobering reminder that we are IN IT. https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/political-commentary/covid-19-end-of-american-era-wade-davis-1038206/?fbclid=IwAR15cyAJpOAJT8DAb2Tj87bIdLh0hymfBPqGlTepdbhlknJJ6Sgl1f1FXhQ

My Beloved Americans touches on the same issues - what are we doing? Where do we start? Individualism. Labor. The American Dream... and it offers a solution. An alternative style of leadership and a structure that might get us out of being so far in it - beloved community.

Start listening here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-beloved-americans-podcast/id1530443048
Leave us a rating and subscribe to help us reach a wider audience.

Read about our first two episodes here on our website: https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen

11/09/2020

Where were you September 11, 2001? And what is it you are planning to never forget about that day? How did it change what it meant for you to be an American? 🇺🇸 On a day that left a permanent mark on our country and changed what belonging means to Americans, we explore the question, “Where Do We Start.” Kyana Wheeler and Casey Tonnelly talk to us about their intimate relationship with belonging. Listen now. 🎧

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-beloved-americans-podcast/id1530443048

Read about Episode 2 and listen here on our website: https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen/episode-2-where-do-we-start

#911

10/09/2020

The First Kitty, Harley Baracuda, is taking a moment of mindfulness meditation before we start recording episode 3.

09/09/2020

Mark your Calendars beloveds. Make sure you have your voting plan ready!

As the days between now and Election Day tick down, we’re getting more questions about what to expect when and what the key deadlines are. You can find a detailed run down at kcelections.com/ but here’s an abridged version as well.

Sept 18 – Ballots are mailed to service and overseas voters. If you’re in the States, hang tight! Your ballot is coming in October.

Sept 22 – National Voter Registration Day! Not a deadline but a great day to bug your friends and family about if they’re registered and if that registration is up to date. Make sure you’re registered first, obviously. Go to VoteWA.gov.

Oct 6-13 – You’ll be getting 2 voters’ pamphlets this year – one from the state and one from your county (that’s us!). The state pamphlet will feature MOST of the races on your ballot and should arrive between these dates.

Oct 13-17 – Your local pamphlet should arrive within a few days of your ballot and will feature local ballot measures and judicial candidates. Make sure to hang on to both and read up! We always hear that judicial candidates are the ones that voters know the least about.

Oct 14 – BALLOTS MAILED! This is the big mail drop for us. We saw normal USPS delivery times in the Primary with 99.96% of voters having their ballot within 5 days. We expect to see similar delivery times in Oct – keep an eye out for that blue envelope!

Oct 15 – Drop boxes open! All 70+ locations will be inspected, opened, and security sealed, ready and waiting for your ballot. Find your closest drop box today here: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/elections/how-to-vote/ballots/returning-my-ballot/ballot-drop-boxes.aspx

Oct 20 – You should receive your ballot by the Mon 10/19 mail delivery. If you don’t, give us a call on the 20th or go online to access and print your ballot from home.

Oct 26 – Last day to register or update your registration online! Paper forms must be received by our office on this day or you have until midnight to register or make changes online. If you miss this deadline, you must come in person to get registered or change your address for this election. Do it now at VoteWA.gov

Nov 3 – ELECTION DAY! Ballots MUST be postmarked by this day or in a drop box by 8 p.m. sharp. You can register in person up until 8 p.m. on E Day as well! Anyone in line at 8 p.m. sharp at a drop box or Vote Center will be able to cast their ballot.

Nov 23 – Final day to return the challenged ballot form if there’s an issue with your ballot. We’ll reach out with a letter, as well as phone/email if you’ve given us that info. The fastest way to return it is by email – just make sure to take a good clear photo or scan.

Nov 24 – Certification Day! That means it’s final, over, done. Unless there’s a recount, of course.

For more details and more dates, check out our blog at kcelections.com/ and make sure to check back there for other important information as the election nears.

09/09/2020

We’re thrilled to announce the Distinguished Guests for Episode 2! Join us is welcoming Kyana Wheeler, and Casey Tonnelly! Their episode is available 9/11. Follow along at to listen.

08/09/2020

Bonus content! Behind the scenes reflections: https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/patreon-preview/ep-1-reflections

Tell us your first reactions to episode 1 in the comments below.

Our Patreon members receive behind the scenes and bonus content. Here’s a sample of the behind the scene reflections. If you haven’t heard Episode 1 yet, start there, then check out the additional insights.

🎧Episode 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-beloved-americans-podcast/id1530443048
⭐️Leave us a rating and subscribe to help us reach a wider audience.

🇺🇸Read about Episode 1 here on our website: https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen/episode-1-what-are-we-doing

🙏🏽There are multiple Patreon levels to participate in. Find one right for you. https://www.patreon.com/mybelovedamericans

07/09/2020

It’s here! Episode 1 - In this episode, we talk to Jasmine Joshua and Harry Turpin of the Reboot Theatre Company and dive straight into the tough questions that are on our minds: What are we doing (about all the major issues this country is having...but also, what's for dinner?!), and are we too different (to pull ourselves together to solve these issues?!).

Listen and drop us a rating now here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-beloved-americans-podcast/id1530443048

Read about Episode 1 and listen here on our website: https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/listen/episode-1-what-are-we-doing

06/09/2020

The Launch Party continues - today it’s time to meet our Distinguished Guests from Episode 1 - Jasmine Joshua and Harry Turpin.

Check out the awesome project they have in the works - Test Kitchen 2.0
https://www.reboottheatre.org/2020/08/reboot-test-kitchen-2/
Follow Reboot Theatre on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/reboottheatre and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/reboottheatre/

Jasmine Joshua (they/them)
Jasmine is a nonbinary transmasculine Seattle actor, writer, director, and producer. They have performed roles at Book-It, Intiman, STAGEright, Seattle Musical Theatre, and Bainbridge Performing Arts. Jasmine has directed for Reboot (Private Lives, Cabaret), Cafe Nordo (The Christmas Killings at Corgi Cliffs), Midnight Rice Productions (Two Kids Who Blow S**t Up), and Twelfth Night Productions (Love, Loss, and What I Wore). They studied with the Larry Moss Studio, the Groundlings, and Jet City Improv, and graduated magna cm laude with a BA in Creative Writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. Prior to moving to Seattle, they were a publicist at an entertainment PR agency in the San Francisco Bay Area where they handled PR for Broadway tours, LORT theatres, community theatres, ballet, opera, and a monster truck rally. They are currently writing book/music/lyrics for a transgender musical as a part of the 5th Avenue Theatre’s First Draft Program.
https://www.facebook.com/jasmine.joshua
https://www.instagram.com/executive_enby

Harry Turpin (he/his)
Harry has been involved in the theatre community for over 20 years as a performer and director/choreographer. He has worked on both regional and national levels, with appearances and work seen at the 5th Avenue Theatre​ Village Theatre, Twelfth Night Productions, Seattle Musical Theatre, Tacoma Musical Playhouse, and SecondStory Repertory. Harry is an award-winning director (People’s Choice Gregory, Seattle Best of the Fest), and has directed both Fly By Night and Little Shop of Horrors for Reboot. ​Harry is an audition/acting coach.
https://www.instagram.com/harryturpin77
https://www.facebook.com/harryturpindirector

05/09/2020

Meet the Creative Director/Producer, Cat. Her purpose is to incite joy, cultivate the possibility in all human relations, and help lead the restoration of humanity. Her core values include belonging, reverence, creativity, and appreciating the majestic and mystical. Here is Cat’s hello...

I've always been fascinated with how people get along and how to create transformational experiences... whether coaching NCAA volleyball, consulting with Executives, owning a Burlesque troupe, teaching Kung Fu, practicing international conflict resolution, or thinking about mastery processes with Olympians. I have an ever evolving practice of decolonizing. My current explorations are in podcasting as a means of leadership and performance art, ecopsychology, artificial intelligence, and building beloved community. I’m biracial (Latina/White), multi-ethnic, Army brat, retired volleyball player, Kajukenbo blue belt, decent ballroom dancer, cat person, big sister, and sci-fi and historical drama movie lover. I hate matching socks, re-hydrated raisins and music that's too loud.

I have a MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution; a MA in Leadership, Organizational Systems and Organizational Development; and a BS in Business Management. I live with my beloved Jerome and familiar kitty, Harley Baracuda.

05/09/2020

Tomorrow we'll introduce you to our Distinguished Guests but we want to share a project they are working on called Test Kitchen 2.0, of Reboot Theatre Company Details below and still two days to submit!

WHAT: Reboot is revitalizing our Test Kitchen! We’re soliciting original works (play, music, poetry, dance, artwork, you name it) from creators of all levels. We will work with each project to assess their artistic needs for the project and provide a budget, if need be.

RULES: Thirty minutes or less. 1-3 actors. Limit three submissions per creator. If you HAVE to break these rules, email us and we’ll tawk. Please email a pitch for your project to [email protected]

Deadline for submissions: September 7, 2020

REHEARSALS: September 7, 2020 – October 4, 2020 — each project sets its own rehearsal schedule.

SHOWS: Early October (think first two weeks-ish)

05/09/2020

Meet Verhanika, that smooth sweet voice you heard in the teaser. V's purpose is to illuminate our shared humanity to bring peace to the world. Here’s a little hello from her.

My first love is always humans and people. Psychology was my field of choice so I could learn more about why people did what they did. I attended Florida State University, a major psychology research institution, so my degree program focused almost entirely on empirical observation and science. My work is informed and based in what we know to be true about humans and our interaction with the world around us.
​
I worked in the arts for years because it is an entirely people-focused industry. I became a financial planner so I could partner and support people in the intimate relationship we have with money. Then, after years of working in places with poor management and toxic culture, I decided the workplace was really where I could undo this harm I kept seeing. That’s when I received my Master’s degree in Organizational Development and Organizational Psychology.

I​ want work to be a place for health and healing. I want people to be productive and useful and to do that without causing harm to themselves or others. All parts of my life are brought to my work. My love of the arts, my experience as a parent, my new life as a widow, all of it informs how to create workplaces that are equal parts healthy and effective. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, working out, hanging out with my kiddo, and talking to my many friends and loved ones.

05/09/2020

Today we are introducing you to the launch team. Meet Mansoor! He has over nine years of experience as an independent contractor and consultant for digital audio production and post-production for music, dialogue, and multimedia. In addition to my music, He brings seven years of full-time advocacy, mediation, and client-centered coaching in personal change initiatives through direct-service social work. Mansoor’s worked as a case manager for several years and studied the psychology of leadership through Saybrook University's MA in Organizational Systems program. He's also trained in Generative Trance and Generative Change Coaching.

04/09/2020

A little look behind the scenes of how this podcast came to be... https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/patreon-preview/welcome-to-my-podcast

This is a sneak preview into what our Patreon members will receive: early access, unpublished content, behind the scenes reflections and more! Become a Patreon member here: ​...

04/09/2020

Beloveds, it’s the first day of our Labor Day Launch Party week! 🇺🇸🤩🎉 Each day this week we will share clips, pictures, behind the scenes reflections, and our first two episodes! Today, we are kicking off with a teaser about what’s ahead - take your first listen here: https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-nc38k-e93ce8 🎧 or on our homepage https://www.mybelovedamericans.com/

Invite your friends to follow us on or

03/09/2020

One step closer to launching. Stay tuned! And in the meantime, writing postcards to help get out the vote. Thanks MomsRising.org for making it so easy to be active!

03/09/2020

This is the kind of podcast we hope you take with you on a walk, relaxing over a beer, or making dinner. Today, we took episode 2 over to the beach.

I couldn’t get out of my head... “oh beautiful, for spacious skies... from sea to shining sea.”

Feeling to have witnessed this gorgeous view, and use this podcast to remind us of the beauty of this country.