Diets with Alexandra Lautenschlaeger

Black History and Art with Belinda Hodasi Jones

Belinda Hodasi Jones—an artist with deep roots in Ghana, West Africa—shared her journey and artistic inspirations in a recent interview on Humanity Chats,.

Born with an innate passion for art, Belinda was nurtured in her creative pursuits by the cultural environment of Ghana and later through her academic experiences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. In reflecting on her evolution as an artist, Belinda expressed her profound connection to the history and heritage of her homeland, embodying it through her work.

Belinda’s current art exhibition, which resonates deeply with Black History Month, explores the crossroads of African and European encounters and their enduring legacies. Her pieces depict not just historical moments but intimate recollections of a culture that is changing and, in some aspects, vanishing. These visual narratives show her commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of African traditions and memories through her art.

The current exhibition for Black History Month, is on display at the Gateswood Studio Center at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, and is scheduled to run through the end of February. Belinda invites everyone to experience her art—a testimony to the stories, the nostalgia, and the heritage she holds dear.

Through storytelling and immersive art, Belinda Hodasi Jones ensures that the rich narratives of African heritage continue to inspire and educate, emphasizing the significance of Black History Month. Her investment in this commemorative time is not just about reflection but also about active education and cultural preservation.

For those who wish to dive into Belinda's art, her website provides an insight into her work. Click HERE to visit the website.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

How to Heal From Trauma - Dr. Tamera Foley

A retired educator, Dr. Foley continues to work as an advocate for children grappling with trauma and mental health challenges. Her integrated approach leans heavily on the transformative power of social and emotional learning, showcasing her commitment to the emotional wellbeing of the children she encounters.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Building Bridges Part I - Marjy Marj

Marjy Marj announces the Building Bridges Tour, explains its purpose, and shares her experience from the Northeastern leg of the tour.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Inspiring Lives through Mr. Jimmy - Jeffrey Blount

Seasoned television director and award-winning author Jeffrey Blount chats with Marjy Marj about his newest book Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way.

Blount's new book release sparked insightful reflections on life, carrying the promise to inspire important conversations. A fun fact that may surprise many is that despite his illustrious career in Washington, D.C., and NBC News, Blount identifies as a farm boy from Virginia. His humble beginnings, growing up on a family farm and running a country store, have deeply shaped his narratives.

Blount's latest protagonist, Mr. Jimmy, is a testament to his own upbringing and experiences. Mr. Jimmy is a billionaire who, amidst personal chaos, retreats to rural America, reflecting Blount's own safe space growing up. The crux of the story revolves around Mr. Jimmy's journey towards redemption. Raised by parents who believed in assisting their fellow human beings, Mr. Jimmy is inspired to help a poverty-stricken community despite his initial reluctance. His journey is a representation of Blount's aspiration for more people to see each other's humanity first and understand that every life is worth saving.

Blount's book is not solely for adults but can also be appreciated by young adults who are at an inflection point in their lives. His books, mostly centered on African-American stories, are intended to bring everyone to the table. His goal is to illustrate the breadth of Black culture and achievement, to inspire the younger generation that they can be successful in all realms.

Blount's passion for storytelling extends beyond his writing. He is a firm believer in mentorship and the importance of adults investing in the lives of young people. According to him, one of the most significant contributions an adult can make is to guide and stand by a young person during their struggles and triumphs, thereby becoming their roadmap towards success.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Getting Unstuck - Monica Okrah

Monica Okrah, a Harvard MBA, investment banking professional, digital marketer, social impact co-founder, and board member, has an inspiring journey that has led her to become a successful coach. Initially, she envisioned a long-term corporate career, but starting and growing her family shifted her to a different path. The genuine relationships she developed with her clients and the impact she made on their lives inspired her to build a business based on her own path.

Monica's clients have not only been admitted to their choice schools but also earned over $25 million in scholarships. Monica believes she's found her purpose through coaching.

In the episode, we discussed the topic of how to get unstuck, which is a common issue for many people at the start of the new year. Monica shared her experiences and tips for breaking free from such mental blocks. She talked about her unexpected journey to bodybuilding and how the discipline and consistency she learned from it helped her get unstuck in other areas of her life.

One of the crucial points Monica talked about was the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and discipline. She emphasized the need to set standards for oneself and to live by these standards regardless of what happens in life. She also highlighted the importance of opening oneself to new experiences and learning opportunities by participating in activities you wouldn't typically engage in.

Monica's journey to self-improvement didn't just stop at bodybuilding and her career. She also shared her practice of writing love letters to herself, reflecting on her achievements, dreams, and aspirations. This practice, she believes, fosters a positive and encouraging mindset that helps one get unstuck.

Her conversation was a reminder that sometimes, getting unstuck doesn't always require drastic measures. Sometimes, it's about the small, consistent steps we take daily towards self-improvement and self-discovery. As Monica puts it, we just have to start, focus on being better every day, and surround ourselves with the right people who can help us grow and learn.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj