Lisa Asedillo is the co-founder of New Day Church in the Bronx, New York, a vibrant, queer, anti-racist and boundary-crossing faith community.  As an ethicist, liturgist, and the Assistant Professor of Worship and Liturgical Ethics at Pacific School of Religion, Lisa’s leadership approach focuses heavily on personal introspection, community building, ritual, and creating safe spaces for marginalized people to make their voices heard when doing the work of justice. She shares how her mixed race heritage as a Filipina American, transnational upbringing, and queer identity has shaped her leadership style to be radically inclusive of others. We hear about the trust she’s rebuilt in herself and her inner voice to be confident enough to lead as her full, authentic self. This episode offers inspiration for spiritually rooted leaders who want to have a greater impact on marginalized communities!

On this episode, we sat down with Drew Jackson, published poet and President/Co-Founder of Pax, a partner of Ignite. Drew is deeply engaged in anti-racism work, primarily in church contexts, and is actively involved with the work of peacemaking and multi-faith coalition building for the common good, both nationally and internationally. He talks about how he got into doing justice work by way of influence from his mother and shares an epiphany he had with his faith while in college, as it shaped his worldview and how he moves as a leader. He also talks about how the art of poetry has affected his leadership approach, encouraging him to show up in his work as his fullest and most authentic self.  This episode offers our community inspiration on maintaining the faith and sustaining in the hard work of justice.

Check out Drew’s Book of Poetry: God Speaks Through Wombs
Pre Order His Upcoming Book: Touch the Earth: Poems on The Way

Josh Buck is an author, filmmaker, teacher, church planter, and faith-based entrepreneur. He’s the co-founder of Pax, a partner of Ignite, and an organization designed to inspire and equip the next generation through slow, beautiful, Jesus-centered content created by people of color. Holding a PhD in intercultural studies, focusing on the problem of racial violence, Josh is passionate about social justice. As a leader, ally, and new author of Everyday Activism, he encourages people to identify unjust systems they want to change, fight for those who are oppressed, respond in acts of compassion, and use their power, status, and privilege to empower others and dismantle corrupt systems. Through his new book and in our conversation, he lays out how his analysis and understanding of his personal faith is a blueprint for his leadership and shares actionable steps to take to help make meaningful change without feeling overwhelmed or burned out. We learn about the concept of Jubilee and what it takes for emerging and established leaders to faithfully live as activists committed to human flourishing and renewal one day at a time. If you’ve wanted to get involved in justice work but aren’t sure where to start, this conversation will inspire you on how to develop everyday habits to make the world a better place.

Rev. Adriene Thorne incorporates art and creativity into all aspects of her life, including her faith and her leadership as the Senior Pastor of The Riverside Church in NYC. She talks with us about the importance and value of incorporating play and a childlike spirit into our daily lives, to stay grounded amidst the chaos of the world. As she discovered and gave herself permission to incorporate art and play into her ministry, we also hear about how she discovered the Pacific School of Religion to be a place for her to explore what that could really look like. Rev. Thorne utilizes those same concepts and values in her sermons at Riverside Church, as the first Black woman to serve as Senior Minister there.

Link/Mention:

My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem

On this episode, we sat down with Dr. Peter Rios, author, leadership consultant, professor at the Pacific School of Religion, and Ignite’s Academic Director, to learn what he discovered about himself that led him to shift from teaching in churches to teaching in classrooms and within organizations. He talks with us about the limited voices and representation in higher education and the corporate sector, and what it takes to bring justice and equity to these spaces. He highlights the importance of seeking out coaches or mentors from marginalized spaces, so people of color can continue to do the hard work of justice for human flourishing and organizational thriving. We learn how white supremacy doesn’t just harm people of color, and the importance of us all fighting for a more just, equitable world for all.

We’re celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month on this episode, highlighting 12 Latinx leaders from our community and some impactful insights they shared as previous guests of the show. From Season 1 to our most recent wrap on Season 4, we’ve had the privilege and honor of sitting down to have deep, important conversations around spirituality, identity, and justice, “en conjunto”, or all together.

Reverend Adam Russell Taylor, president of Sojourners is as much a minister as he is an activist and community organizer. We hear how he weaves his faith into his political activism, how he discovered his passion for building and strengthening social movements, and the power of one person in making change. He also talks about his book, A More Perfect Union: A New Vision for Building the Beloved Community

Meet our new Host! @Krisellemg is a writer and entrepreneur with a passion for sharing stories, connecting people, and empowering those from marginalized communities to go for their passions. She’s also the founder of @EmpoweredInColor, a movement and podcast dedicated to helping people of color thrive in both business and in life. In this Season 4 opening episode, our very own Jonathon Murillo sits down with our new host to talk about her work, her unique vantage point, and her hopes for the season!

On this episode, we sit down with national trainer, spiritual director, and professor, Dr. Kit Evans-Ford, founder of Argrow’s House. She shares how she was able to live out her calling in life by combining her love of ministry and serving female survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence with social entrepreneurship. We hear about her own healing journey and the nurturing community/social enterprise she created to help others through their healing process to achieving social and economic vitality. She offers our community inspiration on creating something that’s deeply connected to who you are and practical wisdom on how to move forward with purpose.

*Argrow’s House is a safe space where free services are offered daily for women healing from violence and abuse. Services range from domestic violence support group, spiritual direction, art therapy, massage therapy, and more. To learn more or donate, visit: https://argrowshouse.org/pages/donate

On this Episode, we sit down with @niviachanta, writer, speaker, and founder and CEO of @soapboxproject. With a passion for sustainability, social justice, and all things tech, Nivi helps people create positive social impact in the world. She shares her origin story, and talks about building community around climate justice, and how busy people can truly tackle issues they care about! She also shares inspiration with our leadership community on how to find hope in the beauty of small acts of service adding up.