I asked my friend, my mentor, my 'big brother' Fred to humor me in 2020, by allowing me to have him on my podcast. I affectionately called him "Boss", and per usual, he was willing and excited to encourage my creative, storytelling nonsense. He knew this would go live online. A few months before he died I mentioned that I still hadn't edited the episode. "What's to edit?"So. I share this with you.Fred, I am grateful we stayed in touch until the end, but I would have liked to come and see you before you left us. I respect your choice to have me remember you before you got sick, but damnit Fred. Thank you for you.You are loved, inspired and inspiring, and your jokes were fantastically dumb. Just plain corny.:)Support the show

JUST SAY IT – S01 E23 - Esther Pearl, PIXAR Studios, and reel-stories.com*FINAL EPISODE OF SEASON ONE *Esther Pearl is the founder and Executive Director of Reel Stories. She received her Bachelor’s in Visual Arts from the University of California, San Diego and her M.B.A. in Sustainable Management from The Presidio Graduate School. She spent 15 years working in Production Management in the entertainment industry. The majority of Esther’s film career was spent at Pixar Animation Studios where her feature film credits include Academy Award winning films The Incredibles, Wall-e, and Monsters, Inc. Her other credits include Titanic, Starship Troopers, Armageddon, and What Dreams May Come. Esther has been honored for her contributions to Bay Area Women in Film, Television, and Media by the San Francisco Women’s Film Institute. She was a semi-finalist for the Echoing Green Fellowship awarded to a social entrepreneur addressing urgent issues in society today. In 2018, she received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Advanced Imaging Society.www.reel-stories.comSupport the show

JUST SAY IT – S01 E22 - Rene Howitt & COPE24, Changing Our Parenting ExperienceRene Howitt is the founder of a non-profit child advocacy organization COPE24…Changing Our Parenting Experience. She is also an appointed member of Missouri’s Task Force on Children’s Justice and the Critical Event Review committees. She has authored two books:Whose Best InterestFosterhoodCo-Authored a Bible study:Family. It’s Complicated. A Bible Study of Adverse childhood Experiences (ACEs) in Genesis. She is the creator of programs, curriculum and reality-based documentary videos:COPE24 Parenting Skill ProgramThe Life Sentence DVD - view the trailerLife-Line DVD - view the trailerFree Classroom Video "The Game" - watch the filmParenting Under The Influence DVD - view the trailerHow Many ACEs Are You Holding - view the trailer, RENTAL: streaming VimeoShe has spent the last 12 years speaking across the country. Rene would like the opportunity to speak at your event, school or church. Contact her here. Or email her at info@cope24.comYou can find more information about her and COPE24 at:The COPE24 Website: www.cope24.comFacebookLinkedInInstagram @cope24parentingTwitter______________________________ACEs Primer Video: https://vimeo.com/139998006What's your ACE score? Take the quizACEs ConnectionSupport the show

JUST SAY IT – S01 E21 - Troy Williams and the film "The Prison Within"*Trigger Warning - difficult topics discussed**EXPLICIT LANGUAGE*JUST SAY IT podcast with host and author, Jen SluMac: Seeking Beloved Community through stories, conversations and questions. Learn more at her website.Interview Recorded: August 24, 2020Troy Williams was released on October 29th, 2014 after serving 18 years of a life sentence in San Quentin State Prison. One of the most notable parts about his incarceration is what he was able to accomplish while incarcerated. On that note, Williams has chosen not hide from his conviction. He has embraced it for what it was and positioned his experiences in life as tools that now qualify him as an expert on the issues.While serving time Williams was able to venture outside the box of inmate and create a media organization inside the walls of San Quentin State Prison. TEDx San QuentinGame Changers Project (Troy's Video)VOEG (Victim-Offender Education Project)The Film: The Prison Within websitehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08FXFLJLD/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_rAbout Jen SluMac: Jen SluMac is a hope dealer, living a life that aims to make the world beautiful and just for all. She aims to be part of the solution in a world tormented by fear and violence, separateness and isolation. Jen agrees with Mother Teresa who said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Jen’s website: https://www.soulnotskin.comJen's debut novel, soulnotskin: becoming the me I was meant to be, was inspired by true events. As a queer woman longing for a faith community, her road has been complicated but never deterred. She found her ministry in storytelling… read full bio hereBuy Jen’s book soulnotskin at Amazon (available as kindle, audible & paperback)Credits:Produced, recorded, content editing by Jen SluMacMusic, Swapping Tubes by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show

JUST SAY IT – S01 E20 - Charlie - She escaped a forced marriage. Survivor, Sister & Artist *Trigger Warning - difficult topics discussed**EXPLICIT LANGUAGE*JUST SAY IT podcast with host and author, Jen SluMac: Seeking Beloved Community through stories, conversations and questions. Learn more at her website.Interview Recorded: September 28, 2020Charlie Lewin is an artist and songwriter living in London, UK. She escaped the expectations she was born into just two days before she would be forced into an arranged marriage. Charlie is an advocate for change in ultra orthodox religious communities. www.charlielewin.comwww.instagram.com/charlielewinartwww.facebook.com/charlielewinartAbout Jen SluMac: Jen SluMac is a hope dealer, living a life that aims to make the world beautiful and just for all. She aims to be part of the solution in a world tormented by fear and violence, separateness and isolation. Jen agrees with Mother Teresa who said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Jen’s website: https://www.soulnotskin.comJen's debut novel, soulnotskin: becoming the me I was meant to be, was inspired by true events. As a queer woman longing for a faith community, her road has been complicated but never deterred. She found her ministry in storytelling… read full bio hereBuy Jen’s book soulnotskin at Amazon (available as kindle, audible & paperback)Credits:Produced, recorded, content editing by Jen SluMacMusic, Swapping Tubes by Blue Dot SessionsDonations welcome and appreciated:Support the show

JUST SAY IT – S01 E19 - Michelle Ashe, 42 year old African American Woman*Trigger Warning - difficult topics discussed**EXPLICIT LANGUAGE*JUST SAY IT podcast with host and author, Jen SluMac: Seeking Beloved Community through stories, conversations and questions. Learn more at her website.Interview Recorded: June 16, 2020Michelle Ashe "I am a 42 year-old African American Woman - Daughter of a beautiful, beautiful, amazing woman. From what she hears, a pretty awesome, cool father. I pride myself on keeping my commitments and living with integrity whether folks are watching or not". She is a woman in recovery from drugs and she is currently going through treatment for Stage 3 colon cancer. She's recently learned about how childhood trauma can impact health outcomes in adulthood and would like to earn a PhD in Public Health to bring information about A.C.E.s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) to her community. She'd like to be the reason some people might avoid the challenges she's faced as a result of information.About Jen SluMac: Jen SluMac is a hope dealer, living a life that aims to make the world beautiful and just for all. She aims to be part of the solution in a world tormented by fear and violence, separateness and isolation. Jen agrees with Mother Teresa who said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Jen’s website: https://www.soulnotskin.comJen's debut novel, soulnotskin: becoming the me I was meant to be, was inspired by true events. As a queer woman longing for a faith community, her road has been complicated but never deterred. She found her ministry in storytelling… read full bio hereBuy Jen’s book soulnotskin at Amazon (available as kindle, audible & paperback)Credits:Produced, recorded, content editing by Jen SluMacMusic, Swapping Tubes by Blue Dot SessionsDonations welcome and appreciated:Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile)Support the show

JUST SAY IT – S01 E18 - Ginny Berson, Activist, Olivia Records & Racial JusticeJUST SAY IT podcast with host and author, Jen SluMac: Seeking Beloved Community through stories, conversations and questions. Learn more at her website.Interview Recorded: June 6, 2020Ginny Z Berson has been a social justice activist her whole life, and is thrilled to be alive at this time of social change.  She is Director of Outreach for World Trust Educational Services; a co-founder of Neighbors for Racial Justice, and the author of Olivia on the Record: A Radical Experiment in Women's Music from Aunt Lute Books.https://www.world-trust.orghttps://www.neighborsforracialjustice.orghttps://www.auntlute.comAbout Jen SluMac: Jen SluMac is a hope dealer, living a life that aims to make the world beautiful and just for all. She aims to be part of the solution in a world tormented by fear and violence, separateness and isolation. Jen agrees with Mother Teresa who said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Jen’s website: https://www.soulnotskin.comJen's debut novel, soulnotskin: becoming the me I was meant to be, was inspired by true events. As a queer woman longing for a faith community, her road has been complicated but never deterred. She found her ministry in storytelling… read full bio here Buy Jen’s book soulnotskin at Amazon (available as kindle, audible & paperback)Credits: Produced, recorded, content editing by Jen SluMacAudio/Content Editing by Stephanie Lamond Music, Swapping Tubes by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show

JUST SAY IT – S01 E17 - Diatra Simpson, Chains are Meant to be BrokenJUST SAY IT podcast with host and author, Jen SluMac: Seeking Beloved Community through stories, conversations and questions. Learn more at her website.About Diatra: Diatra is the founder of DLS Inspirations, LLC and author of the all inspiring book Chains Are Meant To Be Broken: A Preparation For Mental and Emotional Healing. She is a Change Agent who inspires and empowers others in their transformation process through training, development and consulting work. She works with executives, middle-management and direct service providers with the aim to help them become extraordinary. https://www.dlsinspirations.comhttps://dls-inspirations-academy.teachable.com/p/leadership-coachinghttps://anchor.fm/diatra-simpsonAbout Jen SluMac: Jen SluMac is a hope dealer, living a life that aims to make the world beautiful and just for all. She aims to be part of the solution in a world tormented by fear and violence, separateness and isolation. Jen agrees with Mother Teresa who said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”Jen’s website: https://www.soulnotskin.comJen's debut novel, soulnotskin: becoming the me I was meant to be, was inspired by true events. As a queer woman longing for a faith community, her road has been complicated but never deterred. She found her ministry in storytelling… read full bio here Buy Jen’s book soulnotskin at Amazon (available as kindle, audible & paperback)Credits:Produced, recorded, content editing by Jen SluMacAudio/Content Editing by Stephanie Lamond Music, Swapping Tubes by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show

JUST SAY IT – S01 E16 - Kim Boardman, Educating our YouthJUST SAY IT podcast with host and author, Jen SluMac: Seeking Beloved Community through stories, conversations and questions. Learn more at her website.Kim says: After 32 years as a middle school science teacher, I have a few thoughts, opinions and ideas about the job and how teachers and students touch each other's lives.About Jen SluMac: Jen SluMac is a hope dealer, living a life that aims to make the world beautiful and just for all. She aims to be part of the solution in a world tormented by fear and violence, separateness and isolation. Jen agrees with Mother Teresa who said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”Jen's debut novel, soulnotskin: becoming the me I was meant to be, was inspired by true events. As a queer woman longing for a faith community, her road has been complicated but never deterred. She found her ministry in storytelling… read full bio here Buy Jen’s book soulnotskin at Amazon (available as kindle, audible & paperback) Jen’s website: https://www.soulnotskin.comCredits:Produced, recorded, content editing by Jen SluMacAudio/Content Editing by Stephanie Lamond Music, Swapping Tubes by Blue Dot SessionsSupport the show

JUST SAY IT - S01 E15 - Charles Ryan, Reentry Mentor & MoreJUST SAY IT podcast with host and author, Jen SluMac: Seeking Beloved Community through stories, conversations and questions. Learn more at her website.This conversation took place around 2018. I met Charles through work we were both doing at a company called Five Keys Charter Schools. We went into the jails and prisons to serve as teachers and mentors. I loved this mans heart immediately, and his story is a story the world needs to hear.Charles is a bright light in a messy world. I’m better for knowing him.Find Charles on FacebookAbout Jen SluMac: Jen SluMac is a hope dealer, living a life that aims to make the world beautiful and just for all. She aims to be part of the solution in a world tormented by fear and violence, separateness and isolation. Jen agrees with Mother Teresa who said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”Jen's debut novel, soulnotskin: becoming the me I was meant to be, was inspired by true events. As a queer woman longing for a faith community, her road has been complicated but never deterred. She found her ministry in storytelling… read full bio hereAuthor of soulnotskin: becoming the me I was meant to beBuy Jen’s book soulnotskin at Amazon (available as kindle, audible & paperback)Jen’s website: https://www.soulnotskin.comCredits:Produced, recorded, content editing by Jen SluMacAudio/Content Editing by Stephanie LamondSupport the show

S01 E14 - JUST SAY IT - Jon Slusser, A Creative and Resourceful DadMy brothers are amazing people. I have three, this is one of the two younger ones, Jonathan. He grew up in the same world that I did and I admire who Jon is as a man, a husband, a daddy. My brother has a creative spirit and a tender heart like I do, we were buddies when we were little and he's been one of my biggest cheerleaders through some of my darker days growing up. I too, am one of his biggest fans.In this episode, I've asked him to share some of my favorite stories with my audience.He's fun. Enjoy. :) MY MISSION: "To inspire human connection through creating and curating stories that heal."Support the show

JUST SAY IT - S01 E12 - Leo Mercer, Mercer Brotherhood, Part IIJUST SAY IT podcast with host and author, Jen SluMac: Seeking Beloved Community through stories, conversations and questions. Learn more at her website.This is part two of a 5 part series talking with a man named Leo Mercer. He was born and raised in Oakland CA and we met each other in the midst of some restorative/social justice work we were both involved around 2010. He’s become a leader of his generation, an advocate for the value of his own life and the value of black lives in general. He is a musician, founder of the Mercer Brotherhood and a Mentor at DetermiNation Black Mens Group. He is featured in the documentary The Lost Element.Leo is a bright light in a messy world. I’m better for knowing him.Mercer Brotherhood WebsiteThe Lost Element TrailerDetermiNation Black Men’s GroupMercer Brotherhood on YouTubeAbout Jen SluMac:Jen SluMac is a hope dealer, living a life that aims to make the world beautiful and just for all. She aims to be part of the solution in a world tormented by fear and violence, separateness and isolation. Jen agrees with Mother Teresa who said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”Jen's debut novel, soulnotskin: becoming the me I was meant to be, was inspired by true events. As a queer woman longing for a faith community, her road has been complicated but never deterred. She found her ministry in storytelling… read full bio hereAuthor of soulnotskin: becoming the me I was meant to beBuy Jen’s book soulnotskin at Amazon (available as kindle, audible & paperback)Jen’s website: https://www.soulnotskin.comCredits:Produced, recorded, content editing by Jen SluMacAudio/Content Editing by Stephanie Lamond--- Send in a voice message: Support the show

JUST SAY ITS01 E11 - Leo Mercer, Mercer Brotherhood, Part Ifrom the website: http://www.mercerbrotherhood.org/about/Hello beautiful souls. my name is Leo Mercer and music is my passion. Understanding that music alone will not liberate us nor pay the bills, I incorporate it into most aspects of my life.This has been quite the decade (2010-2019). So many highlights, so many dark moments. We turned a white lady calling the police on two black guys for breaking an ordinance into an organized rally called 510 Day & BBQing While Black (Yeah, that was us). We turned Nia Wilson’s death into a rally & celebration of life for all young queens who look like her. Oakland is changing dramatically, and it seems that once again the pioneers of the movement are being displaced. Films like The Lost Element and other Mercer content will show a more authentic, in the mud style of what Oakland is, and will become. 2020 is looking sweet.I hope you all enjoy my creative progressions and give feedback please.Bless,LeoSupport the show

JUST SAY IT - S01 E10 - Excerpt from Jen's Book: "soulnotskin"How our lives collide - a reflection. I believe in the power of story to connect us. There are no hard or fast lines separating us. What affects one of us affects all of us, just in different ways. I want to share a story of a teacher who played a big role in my life, when I was a mere ten years old. Enjoy.https://www.soulnotskin.com/authorSupport the show

JUST SAY IT - S01 E09 - Hector James, Reentry Faith Initiative, part IIIThis conversation took place in 2018 and is still relevant today. Hector is a family man, a servant of his faith and lives a life of ministry. I was fortunate to work with him for just over a year and we had amazing conversations about faith and people on the margins. Hector also identifies as formerly incarcerated. #iamformerlyincarceratedHe has created The Reentry Faith Initiative where he works to equip faith communities to receive their family and community members back from incarceration in a way that heals rather than continues to harm. I love this man. I love his heart. I think you will too.See more about Hector and The Reentry Faith Initiative on YouTube-Support the show

JUST SAY IT - S01 E08 - Hector James, Re-entry Faith Initiative, Part IIThis conversation took place in 2018 and is still relevant today. Hector is a family man, a servant of his faith and lives a life of ministry. I was fortunate to work with him for just over a year and we had amazing conversations about faith and people on the margins. Hector also identifies as formerly incarcerated. #iamformerlyincarceratedHe has created The Reentry Faith Initiative where he works to equip faith communities to receive their family and community members back from incarceration in a way that heals rather than continues to harm. I love this man. I love his heart. I think you will too.See more about Hector and The Reentry Faith Initiative on YouTube--- Support the show

JUST SAY IT - Hector James, Re-entry Faith Initiative, Part IS01 E07This conversation took place in 2018 and is still relevant today. Hector is a family man, a servant of his faith and lives a life of ministry. I was fortunate to work with him for just over a year and we had amazing conversations about faith and people on the margins. Hector also identifies as formerly incarcerated. #iamformerlyincarceratedHe has created The Reentry Faith Initiative where he works to equip faith communities to receive their family and community members back from incarceration in a way that heals rather than continues to harm. I love this man. I love his heart. I think you will too.See more about Hector and The Reentry Faith Initiative on YouTubeSupport the show

JUST SAY IT - S01 E06 - My old buddy Mike, Part IIThis interview took place in 2018.This is Mike Van Vliet. He hails from the Chicago area and he's an artist, procrastinator, recovering alcoholic and he's a pretty grateful guy. I did comedy with him fifteen years ago and we've both come a long way.Mike Van Vliet: https://www.instagram.com/Maui_artsSupport the show

JUST SAY IT - S01 E05 - Mike Van Vliet, My old buddy Mike, Part IThis interview took place in 2018.This is Mike Van Vliet. He hails from the Chicago area and he's an artist, procrastinator, recovering alcoholic and he's a pretty grateful guy. I did comedy with him fifteen years ago and we've both come a long way.Mike Van Vliet: https://www.instagram.com/Maui_artsEnjoy the talk.Support the show

JUST SAY IT - S01 E04 - DD & Jen, Depression & Suicide - Part IIThis is part two of a two part episode dealing with depression and suicide.The conversation took place in July 2018, and DeeDee and I had both recently lost someone to suicide.Ms. Jen - https://www.soulnotskin.comDD - https://www.facebook.com/denese.colquittSupport the show