Can I Just Say? with Nikki La Croce Nikki La Croce

In this episode, I share the mic with filmmaker and director Matthew Solomon to discuss his recent documentary, 'Reimagining Safety,' which explores systemic issues in policing and law enforcement in America. Matthew shares his journey from wanting to be a rock star to becoming a filmmaker focused on social justice. The conversation dives deep into the concept of abolition, the importance of community, and the need to recognize humanity in one another. Matthew highlights the impact of social justice movements like Black Lives Matter and the importance of conflict resolution and empathy. They also touch on the influence of capitalism, systemic issues, and the critical need for community-based responses to policing. This episode aims to activate listeners to connect with local organizations and foster community engagement to promote social change.
 
🎧 Episode Chapters
00:00 Introducing Matthew Solomon: A Journey into Filmmaking and Social Justice02:13 The Unexpected Path to Documentary Filmmaking07:09 Exploring the Roots of Social Justice and Empathy19:42 The Complex Journey of Making a Documentary on Policing and Abolition31:35 Personal Reflections and the Impact of Community Engagement37:31 The Human Cost of Conflict and Personal Loss38:14 Navigating Personal Opinions and Social Media Dynamics40:50 Reflecting on Loss and the COVID-19 Pandemic43:50 Challenges of Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation46:47 The Power of Progress and the Importance of Change56:27 Exploring Law Enforcement and Community Safety01:04:15 Vision for a More Empathetic and United Future
 
📺 Watch Reimagining Safety: https://www.reimaginingsafetymovie.com/ 
 
📧 Connect with Matthew to set up a screening of Reimagining Safety:

reimaginingsafetymovie@gmail.com
 
👉 Follow Matthew:
https://instagram.com/mattytheglue 
 
🎙️ Check out more interviews with Matthew:
https://linktr.ee/mattytheglue 
 
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 💌  Share your email at canijustsaypodcast.com to subscribe to the CIJS newsletter!
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During this conversation, Greg Ripley and I delve into how spirituality, especially Taoism, can inform and enrich our lives, guiding us toward a more harmonious relationship with ourselves and the world around us.
A central tenet of Greg’s philosophy draws from Taoism's teachings on acceptance and living in the present. He emphasizes the power of recognizing and allowing life to unfold in its own time, resisting the urge to fight against reality. This approach not only reduces personal suffering but also opens up a path to clearer vision and meaningful action. His insights touch on the practical applications of these principles, offering listeners tangible ways to integrate them into daily life.
Greg's latest book, "100 Remedies of the Tao: Spiritual Wisdom for Interesting Times”, seeks to distill these ancient teachings into accessible, practical wisdom for modern seekers. Through this work, Greg aims to bridge the gap between spiritual tradition and the demands of our fast-paced, often disconnected world. 
📚 Get your copy of 100 Remedies of the Tao here: https://amzn.to/4bIB4p0 
💡 Learn more about Greg's work at: https://gregoryripley.com/--------------------------------------------------------
🎧 Episode Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Show: Introducing Greg Ripley00:51 Discovering the Path to Taoism01:25 Early Influences and Finding Belonging03:17 Turning Points and Embracing Eastern Philosophy04:05 Journey Through Education and Rediscovering Nature13:57 The Practical Application of Taoism in Modern Life22:48 Exploring the Dao De Jing and Personal Interpretations30:44 The Power of Reminders and Memory in Personal Growth33:27 Exploring the Role of a Taoist Priest36:00 The Intersection of Taoism and Forest Therapy37:09 Understanding Qigong and Its Health Benefits40:07 The Importance of Integrity in Practice and Teaching43:39 Humanity's Potential for Unity and Success55:28 Navigating Life's Journey and Future Aspirations57:37 Final Thoughts on Taoism, Nature, and Humanity
-------------------------------------------------------- 📺  Check out Can I Just Say? on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicandnik 
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Ever wondered how a tough moment can lead to incredible personal growth and inspire a whole new approach to leadership? In this episode of Can I Just Say?, I chat with Kyle McDowell, author of 'Begin With We'. Kyle shares the pivotal moments in his career that transformed him as a leader and how those experiences shaped the 10 principles he outlines in his book. These principles are key to building teams that are collaborative, authentic, and supportive, which in turn leads to happier and more engaged employees.
Throughout our conversation, Kyle highlights the power of principled leadership in action, as he talks about how owning up to mistakes, prioritizing quality, and staying true to core values can create truly amazing connections at work. This type of leadership fosters a positive work environment where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to do their best work. 
Kyle's stories are not only inspiring but also a great reminder of the importance of self-reflection, honesty, and integrity in building successful teams and achieving personal success. These qualities are not only valuable for leaders but also for employees who want to grow professionally and build stronger relationships with their colleagues.
So, if you're ready to be inspired, come join us for this heartwarming conversation about the power of personal growth and principled leadership. You'll walk away feeling motivated to reflect on your own career journey, build stronger relationships at work, and discover how beginning with "we" can make all the difference.
 
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📚 Get your copy of Begin With We: https://amzn.to/4bgM64X 
🤝 Work with Kyle: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/ 
🎤 Hire Kyle to speak to your team: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/speaking/ 
📺 Subscribe to Kyle's channel on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kylemcdowellinc 
👉 Follow Kyle: https://www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc 
 
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🎧 Episode Chapters
00:00 Introducing Kyle McDowell: Leadership Expert and Author01:20 The Genesis of 'Begin With We': Transforming Leadership and Culture13:08 Embracing Feedback and Accountability: A Personal Journey19:47 The 10 Principles of 'Begin With We': A Framework for Excellence26:28 Challenging and Supporting: The Core of Effective Leadership37:07 Unpacking Systemic Issues in Corporate Culture38:37 Breaking the Cycle: A Personal Journey to Leadership39:41 The Challenge of Staying True to Oneself in the Workplace40:38 Navigating Career Paths: The Impact of Leadership and Decision-Making51:45 Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity for Growth01:02:46 Reflections on Leadership and Building Trust
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Are you ready to unlock a more positive and fulfilling life? In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Kristen Butler, the founder of Power of Positivity, for a transformative conversation on the importance of cultivating a positive mindset. Power of Positivity is a community dedicated to inspiring positive change with a global community of more than 50 million people. Her work is grounded in her personal journey and insights into finding positivity amidst life's challenges.
Kristen reveals her own journey and shares essential tips on:
* The Real Power of Positive Thinking: Learn how to cultivate positive thinking without dismissing challenges or embracing "toxic positivity".* Prioritizing Self-Care: Discover simple practices for boosting your well-being and setting boundaries.* Expanding Your Comfort Zone: Understand why personal growth thrives when you test your limits.* The Joy of Gratitude: Practice gratitude to uncover happiness in the everyday.* Your Mood and Movement: Explore the positive connection between your mood and physical activity.
If you're ready to embrace a more positive outlook, take actionable steps for change, and find joy in the journey, this episode is a must listen!
🎉 About Kristen ButlerKristen Butler is the founder of Power of Positivity, a community dedicated to inspiring positive change. Her work is grounded in her personal journey and insights into finding positivity amidst life's challenges.
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🎧 Episode Chapters00:23 Introducing Kristen Butler: A Beacon of Positivity01:03 The Power of Journaling and Personal Transformation03:52 Exploring the Depths of Resilience and Self-Discovery04:40 The Turning Point: From Rock Bottom to Rebuilding Life06:48 Embracing Comfort and Expanding Boundaries08:31 Healing, Safety, and the Journey to Self-Love15:06 The Role of Boundaries in Personal Growth and Safety21:13 The Impact of Communication and Boundaries in Relationships33:07 The Genesis of Power of Positivity34:56 Exploring the Impact of Community Building35:56 The Journey from Personal Passion to Global Community37:09 Embracing Positivity and Transformation38:59 The Power of Affirmations and Positive Thinking41:05 Navigating Life's Challenges with Positivity48:56 The Role of Journaling and Emotional Release in Personal Growth51:41 Reflecting on the Ripple Effect of Positive Change57:11 Curating a Positive Lifestyle Amidst Global Challenges01:02:48 Closing Thoughts: The Mission of Spreading Positivity
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📚 Find Kristen's books on Amazon:
The Key To Positivity: https://amzn.to/3Qwtkyn
The Comfort Zone: https://amzn.to/4b5JRkV
3 Minute Happiness Journal: https://amzn.to/3Uws4My
3 Minute Positivity Journal: https://amzn.to/3WqPdTm
 
* Visit the Power of Positivity website: https://powerofpositivity.com* Learn more about Kristen and her mission: https://positivekristen.com* Follow Kristen on Instagram: @positivekristen
 
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📺 Check out Can I Just Say? on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicandnik
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In this engaging episode, Leah Marie Mazur discusses the importance of establishing a strong sense of self for true joy and inner peace.
During our conversation, Leah offers advice on recognizing red flags in relationships, setting boundaries, and the importance of nurturing meaningful connections and support systems during the divorce recovery process. As a divorce recovery coach and the founder of Mindfully Ready, Leah focuses on healing, self-awareness, and self-love, as she guides clients through their recovery with empathy, practicality, and a holistic approach. This discussion aims to inspire and empower individuals navigating their path to healing after divorce and includes more information available through Mindfully Ready for individuals seeking support while navigating their divorce recovery process.
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🎧 Episode Chapters:
00:31 Introducing Leah Marie Mazur: A Journey Through Divorce Recovery03:28 Leah's Personal Story: From Loss to Finding Self10:30 The Power of Self-Awareness and Mindfulness in Healing13:58 Creating Supportive Communities for Healing23:57 The Importance of Journaling and Self-Reflection28:41 Navigating Relationships: Recognizing Toxicity and Embracing Change33:57 Embracing Solitude and Self-Fulfillment34:38 Redefining Relationships: You Are Whole On Your Own35:07 Perspective on Love and Self-Worth35:51 Recognizing and Responding to Red Flags38:29 The Power of Self-Love and Setting Standards39:42 Do You Know Your Wants, Needs, and Deal Breakers?41:12 The Importance of Boundaries and Self-Respect50:05 Finding Support and Building New Relationships59:15 Mindfully Ready: Building Resources for Healing01:02:26 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude
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📚 Resources from Mindfully Ready that will help heal and empower you: https://linktr.ee/mindfullyready
 
🤝 Join the Mindfully Ready support group - Divorced and Empowered: https://www.facebook.com/groups/divorcedandempowered/
 
🎙️ Listen to The Ugly Truth Of Divorce with Samantha Boss and Leah Marie
 
📺 Check out Leah Marie Mazur on Youtube:  @mindfullyready 
 
👉 Follow Leah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfullyready
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindfullyready
 
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https://instagram.com/nikkilacroce
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkilacroce/ 

This insightful discussion delves into personal agency, control, identity, and the profound impact of systemic racism, with a focus on transforming understanding and fostering societal progress. 
In an enlightening and deeply moving conversation with Rev. Brig Feltus, founder of the Remember Institute, we embark on an exploration of the nuanced and multifaceted nature of race, power, oppression, and community healing. Through Brig's wealth of knowledge and compassionate perspective, we delved into the historical roots of oppression, the psychological underpinnings of privilege and bias, and the transformative power of community and awareness.
Emphasizing the importance of mental health, community involvement, and the rejection of consumerist complicity in oppression, the Remember Institute’s 'Heal Thyself’ program aims to foster a collective understanding, empathetic dialogue, and a dedicated movement towards healing racial divisions and transforming societal structures.
 
00:00 Exploring Control and Identity in Relationships
00:36 Reflecting on Parental Influence and Generational Differences
02:17 The Evolution of Parenting: From Boomers to Gen X
05:55 Embracing Community and the Value of Shared Experiences
07:06 The Impact of Industrialism and Capitalism on Family and Community
10:38 Navigating the Challenges of Modern Parenting and Societal Expectations
11:27 The Power of Community in Personal and Societal Well-being
17:16 Redefining Value and Success in a Capitalist Society
30:25 Confronting the Realities of Systemic Oppression and Seeking Change
42:56 The Urgent Need for Societal Transformation and Collective Action
50:09 Unveiling the Shadows: The Evolution of Fear and Control
51:12 Historical Roots: From Religion to Propaganda
51:59 Cultural Appropriation and Historical Misconceptions
54:13 The Power of Community and Empathy
55:44 Personal Journeys: Race, Identity, and Advocacy
56:02 The Impact of Ethnic Background on Advocacy
59:49 Confronting Racism and Embracing Diversity
01:05:26 Understanding Privilege and the Need for Change
01:16:25 The Role of Education in Combating Racism
01:34:32 A Call to Action: Community Involvement and Personal Responsibility
 
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✨ Sign up for the next Heal Thyself cohort (May 1 - August 6)
***Use code: nikki for 25% off at checkout*** https://www.rememberinstitute.com/healthyself
 
🎙️ Who Should Join Heal Thyself? Ideal for people passionate about personal growth, this course is for those racialized as white seeking to be effective allies and agents of change.
 
👉 Follow Rev Brig:
https://www.instagram.com/brig_feltus
https://www.facebook.com/brigfeltus
 
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📺 Check out Can I Just Say? on Youtube:  @nicandnik 
💌 Share your email at canijustsaypodcast.com to subscribe to the CIJS newsletter!
 
👉 Follow Me:
https://tiktok.com/@nikkilacroce
https://instagram.com/nikkilacroce
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