Episodios

  • We The Community Talks Working Across the Aisle and Defining Progress with Lifelong Change Agent Jen Guzman

    We The Community Talks Working Across the Aisle and Defining Progress with Lifelong Change Agent Jen Guzman
    Jun 13 2025
    Keywords: change work, community engagement, authenticity, leadership, listening, political conversations, core values, humanity, social justice, personal identity Takeaways
    • Change work requires authenticity and vulnerability.
    • Listening is crucial for effective change making.
    • Building relationships is key to working across party lines.
    • Core values should never be compromised for progress.
    • Personal stories can bridge gaps in understanding.
    • Navigating tension requires empathy and patience.
    • The future of leadership lies in shared humanity.
    • Progress can be incremental and still meaningful.
    • Community engagement is essential for lasting change.
    • Leadership is about serving others, not seeking power.
    Summary: In this conversation, Amanda Zahorak and Jen Guzman explore the intricacies of change work, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, listening, and building relationships across political divides. They discuss personal identity, core values, and the role of humanity in leadership, while also sharing insights on navigating tension in conversations and the significance of community engagement. The dialogue culminates in a message of hope for the future, highlighting the power of collective action and understanding in creating meaningful change. Titles:
    • Bridging Divides: The Art of Change Making
    • Authenticity in Leadership: A Personal Journey
    Sound Bites
    • "Your power is in your humanity."
    • "Don't be your own villain."
    • "Change work is an act of love."
    Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jen Guzman and Her Background 08:56 Embracing Intersectionality: The Mexiju Experience 13:25 The Power of Authenticity in Leadership 17:22 The Essence of Change Making 21:13 Listening and Understanding in Leadership 24:32 Working Across Party Lines and Building Bridges 29:31 The Challenge of Change 31:27 Building Relationships for Progress 33:42 Listening to Your Body 37:29 Core Values and Boundaries 40:33 Defining Progress 44:00 The Importance of Bipartisanship 47:17 Leadership Standards and Accountability 49:48 Dealing with Opposition and Self-Care 56:17 Navigating Life's Messy Paths 57:33 Understanding Different Perspectives 01:00:02 Bouncing Back from Power Loss 01:02:42 The Importance of Resilience 01:05:08 Building Relationships Across Sectors 01:07:40 Embracing Diverse Opinions 01:08:44 Inquiry as a Tool for Change 01:09:25 Lessons from Leadership 01:11:14 Using Voice for Good 01:12:09 Legacy of Humanity and Love 01:13:31 Finding Hope in Humanity 01:14:31 Engaging with Community Initiatives 01:15:52 Introduction to We The Community Podcast
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    1 h y 16 m
  • We The Community Talks How to Get Involved and Stay Well While Doing It with Clinical Psychologist, Kelly Wynne

    We The Community Talks How to Get Involved and Stay Well While Doing It with Clinical Psychologist, Kelly Wynne
    Jun 2 2025
    Summary In this episode, Kelly Wynne shares her journey from journalism to becoming a therapist, emphasizing the importance of mental health advocacy, community engagement, and self-care. She discusses redefining leadership in therapy, the significance of listening, and the need for boundaries in advocacy work. Kelly highlights the importance of finding hope and good in the world, especially during uncertain times, and encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being while making a positive impact in their communities. Keywords Mental health, therapy, community engagement, self-care, leadership, anxiety, resilience, boundaries, hope, legacy Takeaways
    • Kelly Wynne's journey began with a viral blog post on anxiety.
    • She transitioned from journalism to therapy to help others.
    • Leadership in therapy is about guiding clients, not saving them.
    • Listening is a powerful form of leadership.
    • Community needs vary; understanding them is crucial.
    • Self-care is essential for advocates and change-makers.
    • Rituals can ground us in times of uncertainty.
    • Boundaries are about how we respond, not changing others.
    • Finding good in the world can combat feelings of fear.
    • Legacy is about helping others find their worth.

    Links:

    Micro Activism by Omkari Williams

    Find Mental Health Resources at: Psychology Today

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    1 h y 17 m
  • We The Community Talks Local Leadership and Changemaking with Dexter Mason, Executive Director of Change Collective

    We The Community Talks Local Leadership and Changemaking with Dexter Mason, Executive Director of Change Collective
    May 14 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the We The Community podcast, Amanda Zahorak interviews Dexter Mason, the executive director of the Change Collective. They discuss Dexter's journey to leadership, the mission of the Change Collective, and the importance of investing in local leaders. The conversation highlights the significance of community engagement, the selection process for changemakers, and the curriculum designed for local leaders. Dexter shares insights on humility in leadership, the role of local solutions in addressing societal issues, and the importance of building diverse networks. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions about leadership inspirations and future aspirations.

    Takeaways

    • Dexter Mason emphasizes the intertwining of service and leadership.
    • The Change Collective aims to redefine civic life in the 21st century.
    • Investing in local leaders is crucial for long-term systemic change.
    • Local leadership impacts daily life significantly.
    • The selection process for the Change Collective values diverse experiences.
    • Curriculum for local leaders includes both hard and soft skills.
    • Humility is essential in leadership roles.
    • Building community is vital for changemakers.
    • Ego can hinder effective leadership and collaboration.
    • Hope for the future lies in the next generations' commitment to change.

    Chapters

    00:00 Dexter's Journey to Leadership 04:57 The Change Collective: Mission and Vision 07:40 Career Path and Finding Change Collective 14:52 Advice on Career Paths and Change Making 18:36 Investing in Local Leaders 22:14 The Importance of Local Politics 24:52 Getting Involved Locally 26:41 The Change Collective Selection Process 31:41 Diversity in Leadership and Community Building 35:07 Curriculum for Local Leaders 39:48 The Importance of Local Solutions 45:02 Gatekeepers in Community Politics 53:06 Networking with Community Gatekeepers 01:01:13 Promoting a Flexible Work Culture 01:02:31 The Importance of Transparency in Leadership 01:03:18 Ego and Leadership: A Stoic Perspective 01:05:54 Working Across the Aisle: Checking Ego for Collaboration 01:07:40 Pathways to Public Office: From Local Change Makers to Leaders 01:11:09 Finding Community: Overcoming Loneliness in Activism 01:12:48 Inspiring Leaders: Role Models in Public Service 01:14:29 Future Aspirations: Balancing Change Making and Personal Dreams 01:16:36 Staying Hopeful: Humanity's Capacity for Positive Change 01:18:25 Connecting with Change Collective: Opportunities for Engagement 01:22:54 Introduction to We The Community Podcast

    Links:

    Learn More about Change Collective

    Read King: A Life
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    1 h y 15 m
  • Introducing We The Community, a Podcast for Social Change

    Introducing We The Community, a Podcast for Social Change
    May 14 2025

    We the Community is a podcast hosted by Amanda, focused on social justice, civic engagement, and community-driven solutions. Each episode spotlights real people making real change—from local leaders to national advocates. Subscribe/follow to stay informed, inspired, and engaged. Let’s build stronger, more inclusive communities—together. Find us on instagram @wethecommunitypod.
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    1 m
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