A Life Experience group conversation on "How to Intercept the Games of Manipulation" that often leave us victimized inside our own self-destructive belief systems, habits and behaviors. .

In her groundbreaking work, Joy Gilfilen, former President of the Restorative Community Coalition, sheds light on unwitting, insidious ways in which habits of manipulation and denialism can be seen infiltrating our institutions, commercial and civic systems. It happens across the social, economic and civic spectrum - infecting fear into our media, courts, business, political, and public safety and emergency management systems.

Drawing from recordings from 2016, this deep dive into our systems offers a chilling account of how individuals, 1st responders, and families are unknowingly trapped in a cycle of harmful habits and presumptions. Gilfilen introduces the concept of "Story-Traps," these harmful narratives that can lead to a vicious cycle of perpetual loss, recidivism and injustice.

One of hidden problems is that often profits are made when our biases, or hidden blind spots are exploited unconsciously. Our beliefs erect blinders that occludes vision, which prevents us from seeing it. Even when our 6th sense, or our intuition is feeling uneasy, or we have a gut feeling that something's not right, we often dismiss these alarms, trusting instead the authority figure.

Join us for a powerful conversation with Liz Darrow, Participatory Democracy Program Coordinator for the non-profit Community to Community Liz Darrow and Host Joy Gilfilen. Liz brings a unique perspective to the discussion as a mother, non-profit leader and with lived experience as a candidate for public office. She has become a passionate advocate for taking care of our earth, for farmworkers , families and community empowerment.

Learn about Liz's background and her work with Community to Community.

Discover the challenges faced by farmworkers and the importance of advocating for their rights.

Explore Liz's vision for a more equitable food system and the role of community involvement.

Gain insights into the power of community organizing and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for decision-making.

In this episode, Joy Gilfilen interviews Darryl Riley, the co-founder of The Up From Slavery Initiative (UFSI). Riley shares his insights on the importance of healing marginalized communities and the work UFSI is doing to achieve this goal.

UFSI is dedicated to providing support and resources to Black communities through inspiring enterprising actions.

💬UFSI has 3 core strategies: 1)Racial justice initiatives, 2)Financial literacy programs and 3) Wellness services. By addressing these critical areas, UFSI aims to empower individuals and create a more equitable society. Listen to the podcast to learn more about Darryl Riley's leadership work, and his example of resilience and success. He's moved from Inmate to Entrepreneur and is now a Kitsap County Business Owner, and co-founder of The Up From Slavery Initiative. By overcoming challenges and adversity with deep enterprising action Darryl now owns three businesses and holds the distinction of being the only Black franchise owner in Kitsap County.